CGD

This remarkable family company celebrated their 100th anniversary last year with a collection inspired by the Bohemian Paradise region where they are based. In this jewellery collection, the Beldas refer to legacy, tradition and pride. The youngest team member – Viktorie – represents the fourth generation of the family company. It was established in New York in 1915 by a competent businessman who traded with glass pearls with which he had had experience from his native town of Jablonec. Following the New York stock market crash, the tenacious businessman went back to Czechoslovakia and established a factory in Turnov which would go on to produce costume jewellery and export it all over the world. Although the factory was nationalised, it didn't stop the next generation from taking up jewellery making. In 1989, the Beldas got the factory back. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the Beldas presented their jewellery, trophies and replicas of Coronation Jewels at an exhibition in the Gothic chapel of the Stone Bell House in the Old Town Square. And at Designblok, they presented their Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) collection (inspired by the region where the company is based) in which the designers explore new ways of showcasing the garnets and agates so typical of Czech jewellery. Even though the Beldas use these garnets and agates in new ways, they respect traditional handicraft. This produces a very interesting tension between these decorative semi-precious stones and their minimalist shapes.

Tereza Kozlová