Local artist and jewelry designer Beatrix Bell is bringing her distinctive handcrafted creations to the heart of the French Quarter, with a vibrant new storefront slated to open this winter at 826 Royal St.
The upcoming boutique marks an exciting new chapter for Bell, who has been operating an shop in Algiers Point for more than a decade. Over the past four years, she also had a presence in a bustling boutique space on Chartres Street. With that lease concluding, Bell decided the time was right to establish a standalone presence in The Quarter.
Bell’s connection to the neighborhood runs deep, rooted in lifelong childhood memories and early creative ambitions.
“I grew up in Baton Rouge,” she recently told What Now New Orleans, “and I’d come to New Orleans to marvel at all the cool little shops. When I was making jewelry in high school, my mom even took me to Jackson Square to set up a little illegal booth!”
The new Royal Street location will primarily showcase Bell’s original handcrafted jewelry line, featuring accessible price points ranging from $25 to $400. In addition to her signature accessories, shoppers can browse a curated selection of fair-trade gifts, unique handbags, localized art pieces, and home decor items meant to reflect local culture.
Beyond traditional retail browsing, Bell is especially excited to offer visitors an immersive experience and personal connection to the artist behind the work. “I will be working there 50 percent of the time, so people can actually meet the artist when they walk in. So, it will also be an experience having the artist working right there in the store, and able to make custom adjustments.”
Pending final permit approvals, Bell is targeting a December opening date to ensure every decorative detail is perfected ahead of the busiest holiday shopping rush of the year.
