Niccolo Bella was founded by Jorge Arrieta in 2011. During this short time much has been learned and many developments and much progress has been made. As we proceed we will continue to discover and understand how we can improve Niccolo Bella to better serve our customers and our partners. Put simply, our intention is to have a positive impact on the world.
The following is from Jorge Arrieta:
I have been fascinated with gemstones for as long as I can remember. My grandfather used to search for semi precious stones in the mountains and polish them as an avocation. He had ruff stones of all shapes and sizes, but the ones that impressed me the most were the polished ones. He and my mother would show me amazing amethyst and malachite, turquoise, pyrite, mysterious obsidian and incredible tigers-eyes. I loved to stare at them and imagine great adventures that surrounded those small stones. To this day, if I see even a small pebble that might look slightly interesting I have to fight back the urge to pick it up and put it into my pocket. I still have a small black wooden box filled with semi-precious stones and the memories of the old man.
When I was not searching for my own treasures I found myself drawing and painting in the same room that my parents were also working hard sketching, printing and painting as artists. My father and mother worked everyday and I remember my father was in front of the canvas when I awoke in the morning and when I went to bed at night. He was even there sometimes when I could not sleep and I would sneak out of bed to find that the canvas had begun to come alive. It was there that I discovered my ability and desire to be an artist and designer.
But in that small studio I learned many things that are even more relevant to Niccolo Bella. The importance of small artisans in their local community and how their income directly effects their family and is a reflection of the local community and culture as a whole. Plainly speaking, the more money that was made - the more time there was for family, friends, community and the basic freedoms and enjoyment of life. The less income earned meant working as much as was necessary to survive and feed the family - the end of living and the beginning of survival.
So the seeds were being sown, yet I had many years to go and countless mistakes and setbacks that sometimes seemed insurmountable. Perhaps, I will later talk of those things, but I will not bore you with melodrama here - each one of us has our own unique road to travel and our own ways to survive, learn, overcome and grow. And it was so that when I had began to find my path I noticed a girl with the sun illuminating her face and I saw a smile on my own. Good years passed and eventually I thought it wise to get engaged and that is when my ring troubles ensued...
I was looking for the perfect engagement ring for my then fiancee (now wife), and was completely frustrated. After days of learning all that I could, going to several stores and shopping everywhere I was very disappointed. I knew I needed to purchase from a company that I could trust and I wanted a beautiful ring - just the right size, clarity, color and cut, but everywhere I went there was always an important element missing. The few times I thought I found the ring of her dreams I was thwarted again because the price was just too much that I could not afford it.
Why was this tradition so difficult? How come I could not find a ring that was elegant, beautiful, affordable and ethical? Should I just settle for something less? What was I to do?
Well I will spare you the details suffice to say that I forgot everything I had learned, the ring fit perfect - on her thumb, the diamond was a dud, ethics were thrown out the window and the beautiful moment turned into a comedy.
A few years later these same questions haunted a friend in his quest for the perfect engagement ring for his loved one. I listened to his troubles and remembered mine all too well. There were many ethical issues to consider. What about the people and sometimes children that worked in this industry that were treated absolutely horrible and the environmental damage often caused? What could I really do that would make a difference with everyone and everything involved from the land to the miner, the cutter, to you? What could I do to help others with this dilemma?
The solution was to create an environment tailored for modern individuals that offers distinctive, independent designer jewelry that is ethical, fair trade and eco friendly.
Learn more about our Mission, Diamonds, Metals and How we Give Back.
