Growing up in North Carolina, Catherine Chamberlain's love of fashion began when she was very young. Her family was in the women's and children's clothing business, and her stylish mother delighted in keeping Catherine and her sister beautifully dressed.
During a successful career in Chicago's broadcast services industry, Catherine’s need for a creative outlet led her to design imaginative, hand-crafted jewelry for family and friends. Positive feedback from trunk shows and industry professionals encouraged this talented, self-taught designer to leave the corporate world in 2002 and launch her own company, CC Bella. And lucky for us, she hasn’t looked back.
Designing her distinctive jewelry begins as she visits bead trade shows throughout the year, stocking up on favorite finds. Her hand-crafted designs are typically bolder, one-of-a-kind showpieces that are true works of art.
CC Bella's three distinctive collections will add an affordable, creative touch to most women's wardrobes.
The Ribbon Collection – Catherine's signature line introduces intricately designed choker necklaces and bracelets. Working with seven strands of organza ribbon in colors like champagne, cranberry or pumpkin, she weaves in pieces from her collection of imported crystals, semi-precious stones, pearls, glossy wood beads, and unexpected strips of suede and hemp. A unique look sure to draw compliments.
The Bella Donna Collection – Offers one-of-a-kind designs with which every "Beautiful Woman" can express her individuality. These larger, dramatic pieces are hand-crafted from unusual materials, including exotic beads, semi-precious stones, crystals, pearls, shells, and large pendants. A gift to Sarah Jessica Parker of a necklace created with blue speckled porcelain beads prompted a surprise "thank you" call from the famously fashionable actress.
The Sole e Luna Collection – As its name suggests, “Sun and Moon” pieces are casual for day, perfect for night. This fashionable collection includes gold-filled or sterling silver chains, hoops or links, worn alone or in combination with semi-precious stones, crystals, and natural or painted beads. One of our favorite necklaces has citrine chips interwoven with gold wire along a gold-plated bangle ($96). (Peridot chips are also available).
With such a diverse collection, we're certain you'll find a beautifully-crafted design for both contemporary and classic tastes.
You can find CC Bella on www.ccbelladesigns.com and at these local boutiques:
Chicago
Hazel 1092 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 773.769.2227
Mint Boutique 2150 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago, IL 773.322.2944 (www.mintboutique.com)
Panache 2252 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 773.477.4537
Suburbs
2 Sisters 28 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 847.698.3808 (www.shop2sisters.com)
Biondi 102 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, IL 630.986.9800
Lincolnshire Resort Marriott 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, IL 847.634.0100
Miss Behave 717 Elm St., Winnetka, IL 847.441.8888
Catherine is also very active in local designer events, including GenArt SHOPChicago and the Indie Designer Market.
Photos courtesy of CC Bella Designs.
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – E. Engquist
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews.
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