About Hilary
Immersed in an international lifestyle growing up - from visiting the fashion capitals of Europe to the colorful streets of India and Morocco - Hilary developed a deep appreciation for artistic expression at a young age. These early experiences gave birth to the distinct style that defines the belle et bonne brand.
Jewelry designer, Hilary Barbour is the creative force behind the private label, belle et bonne. With the expression referring to beauty and warmth, the designs capture the essence of classic bohemian chic. Each belle et bonne piece is carefully constructed using hand-selected materials, including semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls and precious metals.
Supported by the encouragement of her mother and former partner, Hilary first launched her jewelry line in 2005 after 14 years spent working in international conservation for such organizations as the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy. One of her first priorities in establishing her business was to support charities close to her heart like The Nature Conservancy and the Tigerlily Foundation. As her brand gained local recognition, her distinct pieces quickly developed a following among Washington women, including news anchors, radio personalities and other celebrities.
In 2010 and after, Hilary temporarily suspended her design work in the face of two difficult life events - losing her beloved mother and separating from her husband. Belle et bonne took a backseat as she refocused on her international conservation career and adjusted to being a single mom. But, after some time, these life-changing events also sparked a renewed enthusiasm. Hilary is inspired to once again be creating elegant pieces.
The designer's jewelry has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and online media including Pregnancy & Newborn, Washington's Finest, The Washington Post and Accessories Magazine News Flash. She was also featured on ABC channel 7's Working Woman segment for her work in supporting local charities through her jewelry line. She continues to honor her mother's legacy by contributing some of the proceeds from her work to organizations that are committed to finding a cure for ovarian cancer. Stronger than ever, belle et bonne continues to "empower women one jewel at a time" while giving back at the same time.
© 2015 belle et bonne
