Joe DeBella
Joseph DeBella has traveled the world over, making countless journeys throughout Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and Pakistan, as well as Israel and Europe in search of the finest, most rare, and elusive gems available. His artistry in both contemporary and traditional jewelry designs has been established over more than thirty years.
Raised in the small southern Colorado town of Trinidad, DeBella's interest in rocks and minerals began early as he collected minerals and petrified wood boulders near his family home. His father introduced him to the skills of electric welding and gas torch fabricating in copper, brass and other metals. Eventually, he began to produce sculptures and jewelry which were sold at local galleries throughout Colorado.
Following years of travel, he planted his roots in Santa Fe, in tandem with his wife Judi. Together they founded DeBella Fine Gems and Jewelry Arts. This estalishment evolved into New Mexico's most prominent purveyor of exceptional gems and jewelry for over twenty years.
DeBella continues to exercise his creative instincts and love of design and jewelry making, for selective clients worldwide. He is equally delighted to consult in the remodeling of existing pieces according to direction.
His formal education includes degrees in Art, Industrial Arts, Business, and secondary Education as well as formal training in jewelry arts, hand engraving and manufacturing. He is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica California, the recipient of two Platinum Honors Awards from the American Gem Trade Association, and has served as president of the New Mexico Jewelers Association.
