Joe Schweke and his daughter, Sarena Schweke, have relocated and rebranded their Belrose Estate Jewelers in Montecito. The father-daughter duo’s old store was a fixture in downtown Santa Barbara but “felt Montecito was a logical next step.”
Joe Schweke and his daughter, Sarena Schweke, have relocated and rebranded their Belrose Estate Jewelers in Montecito. The father-daughter duo’s old store was a fixture in downtown Santa Barbara, but they “felt Montecito was a logical next step.” Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers photo

Sizzling Coast Village Road recently welcomed its newest addition as Belrose Estate Jewelers opened its doors at 1268 Coast Village Road, bringing a rich family jewelry heritage to Montecito.

Founded in 1967 and now led by second- and third-generation owners, the father-daughter duo of Joe Schweke and Sarena Schweke opened Bella Rosa Galleries in downtown Santa Barbara in 2007.

In January, they made the move to Montecito, rebranding as Belrose Estate Jewelers.

“For our family, jewelry is about more than adornment,” Sarena told Noozhawk. “It is chosen as a thoughtful gift of love and care.”

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Sarena brings technical expertise and genuine passion to the business begun by her late grandparents, Rose and Sam Schweke.

“I felt Montecito was a logical next step, and we could better serve the community and their business in this new location,” Joe explained.

“Whether you are shopping or selling your jewelry or requiring a professional appraisal, we aim to treat you professionally but with a family touch.”

After months of renovation at the property (owned by my family), the shop celebrated its official ribbon cutting with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, attended by customers, local politicians and Coast Village Road Improvement Association executive director Beth Sullivan.

The completely remodeled space showcases rare gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires and important diamonds.

  • Belrose Estate Jewelers crafts custom pieces, often incorporating clients’ family gems with natural and pre-loved stones are a preference.
    Belrose Estate Jewelers crafts custom pieces, often incorporating clients’ family gems with natural and pre-loved stones are a preference. Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers photo
  • Ready for her closeup.
    Ready for her closeup. Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers photo
  • Joe Schweke and his daughter, Sarena Schweke, have relocated and rebranded their Belrose Estate Jewelers in Montecito. The father-daughter duo’s old store was a fixture in downtown Santa Barbara but “felt Montecito was a logical next step.”
    Joe Schweke and his daughter, Sarena Schweke, have relocated and rebranded their Belrose Estate Jewelers in Montecito. The father-daughter duo’s old store was a fixture in downtown Santa Barbara, but they “felt Montecito was a logical next step.” Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers photo
  • The newly renovated showroom of Belrose Estate Jewelers sparkles at 1268 Coast Village Road in Montecito.
    The newly renovated showroom of Belrose Estate Jewelers sparkles at 1268 Coast Village Road in Montecito. Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers photo
  • Jewelry eras dating back to 1714.
    Jewelry eras dating back to 1714. Credit: Belrose Estate Jewelers illustration
  • Adrien Brody sports a diamond-studded phoenix brooch on his tuxedo lapel during his acceptance speech for Best Actor honors at Sunday’s Academy Awards.
    Adrien Brody sports a diamond-studded phoenix brooch on his tuxedo lapel during his acceptance speech for Best Actor honors at Sunday’s Academy Awards. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • A newly engaged couple are ready to ring in the next chapter in their lives.
    A newly engaged couple are ready to ring in the next chapter in their lives. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

The Belrose Estate Jewelers collection spans significant design periods from Georgian through Mid-Century, offering what the Schwekes describe as “attainable, wearable, historic art for everyone.”

What makes Belrose unique is its emphasis on estate jewelry. Each piece comes with a provenance that Sarena enthusiastically shares, creating an engaging presentation experience.

The thoughtfully arranged displays in backlit onyx and black lacquered showcases highlight each piece’s individuality without overcrowding.

Antique and vintage jewels have always been at the forefront of fashion, with Art Deco engagement rings still in high demand.

Many men now adorn their lapels at Hollywood award shows with diamond-studded brooches, with ample evidence at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Adrien Brody, who took home the Best Actor award for his leading role in The Brutalist, sported a sparkly phoenix with his tuxedo.

While specializing in estate pieces, Belrose also features modern collections from award-winning designer Alex Sepkus, known for micro carvings that evoke Art Nouveau beauty.

The Schwekes also craft custom pieces, often incorporating clients’ family gems.

Natural and pre-loved stones are a priority.

“I prefer older gems along with a special love of estate jewelry, which I believe is a sustainable practice because no new mining is required,” Joe said, noting the curated collections are “kind to the planet.”

A large vintage photograph of Joe’s parents adorns the gallery, honoring the couple who launched the family business six decades ago in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The portrait hangs alongside an iconic black and white photo of Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where history and beauty perfectly meld at Belrose Estate Jewelers.

Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. The opinions expressed are her own.