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- Hélène Cancela Alain
Hélène Cancela (BdeH), a Corsican jewelry designer based in Corbara
Buy Online - Atelier Création de Bijoux BdeH Hélène Cancela
20 products available on our partner site BrindeCorse.fr
Silver Sphere Earrings with Coral40,00 €
Corsica Pendant55,00 €
Hematite Sphere Earrings40,00 €
Silver Sphere Earrings with Green Aventurine40,00 €
Silver Spheres Earrings with Malachite40,00 €- Atelier Création de Bijoux BdeH Hélène Cancela20 products
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Located between L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, Hélène Cancela designs and crafts BdeH jewelry in her workshop in Corbara, in the Balagne region. Her creations feature bronze, silver, and semi-precious stones from Corsica and other sources.
Rings, bracelets, pendants, torques, and earrings are made on-site. Some pieces also feature a genuine “Eye of Saint Lucy” from Corsica or coral. BdeH creations can be viewed at the studio or purchased online at Brin de Corse.
Hélène Cancela's Creations
Every piece of BdeH jewelry is designed and crafted in the Corbara workshop. Hélène Cancela creates one-of-a-kind pieces or small-batch collections, some adorned with natural stones and others without. A wide variety of jewelry at reduced prices awaits you, including unique pieces you won't find anywhere else.
Her designs are characterized by open shapes, contemporary lines, and traditional influences. Many rings and bracelets are adjustable to fit a variety of hand and wrist sizes.
Handcrafted Rings
Each ring created by Hélène Cancela is designed to fit comfortably on any finger size thanks to its adjustable system. You'll find slim, delicate styles for everyday wear, as well as more statement rings to enhance an evening outfit.
BdeH rings are crafted from silver, bronze, or other metals used by the designer. Some designs are simply shaped or engraved, while others feature a gemstone (amethyst, rose quartz, carnelian, aventurine), a Saint Lucy's eye, or a piece of coral.
Some pieces are produced in limited editions and come with a certificate of authenticity. The designer also offers customization options for your rings, allowing you to choose the stone, the metal, and even add an engraving on the inside.
The online store lets you view the models currently available and learn about the materials used in each creation.
Bracelets, bangles, and cuffs
Designed and handcrafted in the Corbara workshop, Hélène Cancela's artisanal Corsican bracelets come in a variety of styles for women, men, and children. Each piece reflects the island designer's craftsmanship and showcases fine materials: Corsican coral, sterling silver, gold-plated silver, bronze, and semi-precious stones such as amethyst, carnelian, and rose quartz.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose an intricately designed cuff bracelet, a sleek bangle or half-bangle, a piece adorned withthe Eye of Saint Lucy, or even a coral bead bracelet. Each piece can be produced as a limited edition with a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing the originality and quality of the piece.
For a truly unique touch, the workshop offers customization options for your bracelet: engraving a first name, a date, or a symbolic message, or choosing the stone or metal.
Necklaces, chokers, and pendants—coral, silver, and semi-precious stones
Hélène Cancela's artisanal Corsican necklaces are handcrafted, often etched using the aquaforte technique, and can be paired with bracelets or earrings to create a complete set. Available in sterling silver, gold-plated, bronze, or set with semi-precious stones such as amethyst, rose quartz, or carnelian, they come in choker styles, long necklaces, or rigid torque designs—ideal for elegant evenings.
Some designs feature a Corsican coral pendant or an “Eye of Saint Lucia,” a symbol deeply rooted in the island's culture. Each piece can be crafted as a limited edition with a certificate of authenticity.
The torque is a rigid, antique-inspired necklace, reimagined by Hélène Cancela in solid silver or gold-plated silver, sometimes adorned with semi-precious stones or coral. Elegant and minimalist, it can be worn with formal attire or as an everyday piece of jewelry. Some designs are hammered or braided to create a unique textured effect.
Pendants – coral, semi-precious stones, and shapes
Pendants are available on their own or mounted on a necklace, in silver, bronze, or gold-plated. The collection includes designs shaped like Corsica, red coral pendants, St. Lucia eye shells, as well as creations set with semi-precious stones. You can choose the chain or cord according to your preferences.
Earrings
The collection of handcrafted earrings features hoop, dangle, stud, and openwork styles, available in silver, gold-plated, and bronze.
Some are adorned with coral, Saint Lucia's eye, or natural stones. Lightweight and comfortable, they can be worn alone or as a matching set with a necklace and bracelet.
These timeless favorites, which are also available for children, can be found at Corbara and on the Brin de Corse online store.
Bronze, silver, and semi-precious stones
Semi-precious stones from Corsica
The jewelry is crafted with semi-precious stones in various solid or variegated hues, such as rhodonite, hematite, and moss agate. All stones come with a certificate of authenticity.
Rose Quartz Composed of silicon oxide, manganese, and titanium, this pale pink stone evokes tenderness and serenity. It is also a stone that embodies femininity and emotional depth. It is found primarily in Brazil and Madagascar Rhodochrosite The “little sister” of rose quartz, rhodochrosite is also a pink stone with a darker hue, composed of carbonate and manganese, found from Mexico to the southern United States. Aventurine This is a green stone composed of fuchsite or muscovite (Moscow stone), found in Brazil, China, and India Carnelian Carnelian is a fairly uniform coral-red stone from Latin America and India Amethyst Purple in color, amethyst is composed of silicon oxide, iron, and manganese. It is found in Europe, Latin America, Russia, and Madagascar. In crystal healing, it is said to help combat intoxication and poisoning, and to promote sleep. It embodies humility and stimulates creativity. The workshop also carries genuine amethyst geodes, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity Pyrite with a golden appearance, also known as “fire stones” or “fool's gold,” composed of iron disulfide; it is found in Western Europe (France, Italy, Spain) as well as in Slovakia and Peru
Corsican coral
The stones used are primarily from Corsica: fluorite, rock crystal, pyrite, rose quartz, serpentine, and amethyst. Bracelets, pendants, and necklaces made of Corsican coral are also on display in limited editions. Hélène treats the stones without damaging them; they are not set, and the polishing process seeks to mimic the natural action of the sea's repeated movement.
Eye of Saint Lucia—a Mediterranean symbol
TheEye of Saint Lucia is one of Corsica's most iconic pieces of jewelry. It is crafted from the shell flap of a Mediterranean shell, collected on the island's beaches and then polished to reveal its natural hues.
In Hélène Cancela's workshop, the Eye of Saint Lucia is crafted into earrings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces, often paired withsterling silver, gold-plated metal, or Corsican coral. Each piece is handcrafted with special care to preserve the shell's natural beauty.
These creations can be worn alone or as part of a matching set. Available at the Corbara workshop and in the online store, they come with information about their origin and meaning. To learn more about this island tradition, discover the History of Saint Lucia.
Jewelry Making at the BdeH Workshop
The creative process begins with sketching and finding a shape suited to the selected metal or stone. Hélène Cancela then transforms the material in her Corbara workshop.
Her work draws on several artisanal techniques:
- etching, which is used to create designs on metal
- silver brazing, used to join the different parts of a piece of jewelry
- wax modeling, which is used to prepare certain shapes before they are cast in metal
- shaping, hammering, and various surface finishes
These techniques allow the designer to work with both geometric lines and freer forms inspired by ancient civilizations, Celtic motifs, and the Mediterranean world.
Visit the BdeH workshop in Corbara
The design and exhibition studio is located in the hamlet of Guaduleo, on the road to Calvi, in the coastal part of Corbara. It is situated about 500 meters from the Leclerc shopping center in L'Île-Rousse and has a parking lot.
Since hours may change from time to time, it is advisable to call ahead before visiting, especially during the off-season.
Pets are welcome. Staff can assist you in French, English, and Spanish.
Hélène Cancela's Journey and the Artisanal Routes
A native of Corsica, Hélène Cancela first studied foreign languages and cultures in Aix-en-Provence. Her journey then took her to Spain, Paris, England, Scotland, and Morocco.
Coming from a family that included painters and stone sculptors, she developed an interest in drawing, calligraphy, engraving, and modeling before moving on to metalwork.
Her creations bear the mark of several cultural influences, including Celtic, Mediterranean, Hispano-Muslim, and Sephardic traditions. These references inspire her contemporary jewelry, some of whose forms evoke antique pieces.
Hélène Cancela has been a member of the Route des Artisans d'Art de Balagne since its founding in 1999. The BdeH studio is also part of the Route des Sens, a network dedicated to Corsican producers and artisans.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Address and Contacts : Hélène Cancela Alain
| 06 14 59 09 02 | |
| Send an Email | |
| Route de Calvi T30, Lieu-dit Bodri, 20220 Curbara | |
| Products Online on Brin de Corse | |
