About

An expensive taste leads to Belle Epoque Finds

Once I was at the TEFAF, The largest Art fair in Europe, where I worked in Fine Arts. Always hanging around the jewelry section my eye catched something I had never seen before, but yet it felt almost familiar.

I held a brooche from the Victorian era, a blossom branch. It screamed Titanic and 1880, it was covered in rose-shaped diamonds, and it was 'en tremblent' which means that the flowers were made on thin, titanium sticks ,so that when moving around, they would tremble and catch the light everywhere. I was shaking. Almost crying as well to be honest. I never saw anything this beautifull before.

Then the art seller told me the price of this magnificent piece or art. That was when my shaking and crying increased and I gave it back in an instant (very very carefull). Yes, it was five-figures. This happens a lot. When seeing something I absolutely adore, it is unaffordable (think Lalique, Cartier etc.). Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry that is affordable is hard to find.  The pieces that are affordable are ten in a dozen and look nothing as luxurious as the originals. So I decided to make it myself. No replica's, but pieces inspired on the era's I love so much.

Always looking for that special beads, as much original as possible, so in these jewelry you will find pendants or beads that are actually from the 1900's - 1920's. Suppliers are all over the globe and I get my hands on some  unique stuff, wich I love the most to use. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces, nothing that is designed and handmade by Belle Epoque Finds you will see on someone else.

I did not start Belle Epoque Finds to sell. But I got so many compliments on my jewelry and strangers bought some earrings out of my ears on the street. So then, why not sell my creations so I can find and buy even more special, antique, unique beads and pieces. Everyone's happy. What is not sold I just wear myself.

Designs and special gifts on request

Also I design on request. That special gift for a birthday? Or just for yourself? In consultation I create a piece  of jewelry or pair of earrings specially made for someone, meeting their taste and preferences.

Early years

I have been making and creating jewels for a long time, I fondle everything shiny and weird or special I can get my hands on. Also I love to design new things all the time. As bored as one gets (me) the challenge is always to find something special and new. Drawing, designing, fixing up clothes or an old necklace, I have done it from a young age, but my true passion lies with jewelry and assecoires, Art Nouveau and Art Deco and the Victorian era. My inspiration comes from art, interiors, paintings, architecture and clothing from these era's. I always had a more than normal interest in Art Nouveau and Art Deco since I was very young.

Future Plans

Using enamal (emaillé) is an art I would love to learn because this is used on Art Nouveay jewelry a lot and is also a rare used technique wich is slowly dissapearing. Also I would love to work with 'the real stuff' like diamonds, emeralds and ruby's, so please buy something so I can make my own diamand brooche en tremblent .;).

Lettie Hendrix, owner and designer Belle Epoque Finds