The story behind Bellamare Jewelry

You may have recently noticed a new section quietly appear across our platforms — Bellamare Art. This addition is deeply personal. At Bellamare Jewelry, our story has always begun with the sea. With gold. With heritage. With home. And now, we are honored to introduce another layer of that story — oil paintings inspired by one of the most special corners of the Mediterranean: Mali Lošinj, Croatia, often known as the "Island of Vitality." But this time, the artist behind the work is someone even closer to my heart. Meet the Artist: Slavko Tirkajla Slavko Tirkajla is not just a painter. He is a gifted, lifelong artist whose talent I truly believe is God-given. We are both from Lošinj. It is our home. Our roots. The place that shaped our memories, our aesthetic, our love for this island.  His creativity is something I deeply admire. To be able to translate light, water, movement, and emotion into a painting… it's a rare kind of gift. One I can only dream of having. And yet, in a way, our paths mirror each other. But we are both telling the same story — Lošinj. Inspired by the Island of Vitality Mali Lošinj is known for its healing air, pine forests, turquoise waters, and timeless Mediterranean charm. There is a softness to the light there. A warmth in the sunsets. A calm that settles into your soul. Many of the works you've already seen — including the Čikat boat series — were painted from scenes in Lošinj and the nearby islands. What makes these paintings even more special is that my father personally photographed many of these landscapes himself before transforming them into oil masterpieces. He captured the boats resting in Čikat Bay, the quiet harbors, the reflections dancing across the water — and then brought them to life on canvas. And I have to say this honestly: Photos do not do these works justice. There is something about standing in front of the canvas — seeing the texture of the brushstrokes, the depth of the blues, the movement in the sky — that feels almost real. Almost alive. A Piece of Home For me, these paintings are not just art. They are home. When I see one hanging on a wall, it immediately brings warmth to my heart. It feels like stepping back onto the island. Like breathing in the sea air. Like hearing the boats gently knock against the dock.   Bellamare has always been about connection — to heritage, to craftsmanship, to timeless beauty. With Bellamare Art, we are extending that connection beyond gold and into canvas. It is the same Mediterranean soul — expressed differently. From Gold to Canvas When my partner and I designed the Lošinj pendants in solid 18K gold, we wanted to create something lasting. Something meaningful. A wearable memory of the island. Now, through my father's work, we are offering something equally timeless — original oil paintings that capture Lošinj's spirit in its purest form. At this time, we are sharing original works only. Each painting is one-of-a-kind, created with intention, patience, and decades of artistic mastery. In the near future, high-quality copies will also be available for those who want to bring a piece of the island into their homes worldwide. Welcome to Bellamare Art Bellamare Jewelry will always be our foundation — rooted in solid 18K gold and Mediterranean elegance. But Bellamare Art is our heart expanding. It is family.It is heritage.It is Lošinj. We hope you enjoy the artwork and that it brings you joy — whether you are deeply connected to the island, have visited just once, or have returned countless times. May these paintings carry a piece of Lošinj into your home and heart. Thank you for being here as we share this deeply personal chapter with you. Explore Bellamare Art With love,Katarina Real gold. Real meaning.

Real gold. Real meaning. Every collection begins with a feeling — one you carry long after the moment passes. For us, that feeling lives on the island of Lošinj, also known as the Island of Vitality. Lošinj is one of those rare places that immediately settles into your heart. The soft Adriatic light, the scent of pine trees drifting through the air, and the warm sea breeze creates a calm you can feel in your chest. Joy blooms when we arrive. A quiet ache lingers when we leave the island.. It was only natural that our next collection would begin there. Why Lošinj Inspired This Collection We didn’t want to create just a "souvenir". We wanted something that truly captured what Lošinj means to us — its warmth, calm, and quiet beauty. Something timeless, something that would never fade, rust, or lose meaning.  The Lošinj Pendant & Necklace Collection was born from this desire: a way to hold onto the feeling the island gives us, in a piece meant to last forever. The heart-shaped design reflects the emotions Lošinj leaves with us — inspiration, peace, love, and connection to nature. Sunrise swims. Golden sunsets. Walks along Cikat Bay. Views from Providenca, sipping appetizers and wine, laughing as the island’s magic settled into our hearts. These moments became the foundation for the design. More Than Jewelry — A Memory in 18K Gold The Lošinj Collection embodies why we founded Bellamare Jewelry: to create pieces with story, meaning, and soul. Not trend-driven. Not seasonal. Just heartfelt, timeless, and Mediterranean-inspired. Each pendant and necklace is handcrafted in solid 18K gold — real gold, real meaning — with a 750 hallmark that guarantees authenticity, while the design captures the essence of the island itself. Carry a Piece of Lošinj Wherever You Go Our hope is that when you wear a Lošinj pendant, it brings you the same sense of warmth and calm that the island gives us — a reminder of beauty, stillness, and memories that stay with you no matter where life takes you. Explore the Lošinj Collection It’s more than jewelry. It’s Lošinj — held close to your heart. Real gold. Real meaning.

We want to take you along on our journey — one blog at a time. Before we even dive in, let’s take it back to about a year ago. We were in the early stages of planning, brainstorming, and shaping our vision. Gold prices were significantly lower back then — as I’m writing this, gold sits at around $4,326 an ounce. What a time to start a gold business, right? But here we are. Like many startups, the journey came with challenges. At first, we explored the idea of creating fun, plated jewelry with beach themes — something playful and accessible. It made “sense” for the U.S. market and seemed cost-effective. But then, we pivoted. Fast. We realized that Bellamare wasn’t meant to be ordinary — it was meant to be timeless. So we moved away from plated designs and focused on solid gold — the kind of gold that holds its value and tells a story. While 14k gold is considered the standard in the U.S., we decided to challenge ourselves with 18k solid gold. Here’s why: If you do a quick search for a 14k gold chain, you’ll notice the difference in purity — 14k gold is 58.3% pure, while 18k gold is 75% pure. For the price you pay, upgrading to 18k means you’re investing in gold that’s richer, more luminous, and ultimately more valuable. In the U.S., many see gold as fashion or accessory — not as an investment. But globally, the mindset is different. Overseas, gold is viewed as wealth you can wear. That’s where Bellamare Jewelry comes in — we’re redefining what luxury means in the U.S. market. Each piece we craft in 18k gold embodies lasting value, Mediterranean inspiration, and timeless elegance. At Bellamare, we’re not just selling jewelry —we’re sharing a vision.A lifestyle.A story that connects the love of the sea with the art of gold. Stay tuned — we’ll be releasing a new blog each month as we continue building our brand, designing new pieces, and navigating this golden journey together.