A Diamond Jubilee for Love and Luxury: Celebrating 25 Years of Bella Cosa Jewelers
In the grand tapestry of human history, the year 2000 stands as a threshold between eras. It was a time of digital uncertainty and cultural shifts. In December of that year, the world watched as Al Gore conceded a historic and contested Presidential election to George W. Bush. On the pop culture front, the “Material Girl” herself, Madonna, was capturing headlines by marrying film director Guy Ritchie in a lavish Scottish ceremony. Yet, while those headlines have since faded into the archives of political and tabloid history, a different kind of commitment was being forged in the suburbs of Chicago—one that would prove far more enduring than a Hollywood marriage or a four-year political term.
In November and December of 2000, Joseph and Amy Molfese embarked on a dual journey that most would find overwhelming: they got married and opened their first business, Bella Cosa Jewelers, within the span of a single week. Today, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary in both marriage and business, the Molfeses stand as a testament to the power of shared vision, relentless grit, and the kind of “old-school” sacrifice that builds lasting legacies.
The Year 2000: A New Millennium and a New Beginning
To understand the success of Bella Cosa Jewelers, one must first look at the environment in which it was born. The early 2000s were a period of transition. The jewelry industry was beginning to see the rise of branded diamonds and the early stages of online retail. However, for Joseph and Amy, the focus wasn’t on digital trends; it was on physical presence and personal connection.
Unlike many modern startups that begin with venture capital and polished marketing decks, Bella Cosa began with “sweat equity” in its purest form. While the rest of the world was celebrating the new millennium, Joseph and Amy were navigating the stressful waters of a 40-mile daily commute, living in a basement to save money, and subsisting on a diet where pasta was the primary staple. It was a period of high stakes and thin margins, but it laid the foundation for a business that would eventually become a cornerstone of the Chicagoland luxury market.
A Serendipitous Encounter: From a Song to a Lifetime
The story of Bella Cosa is, at its heart, a love story. Every great enterprise has a “meet-cute,” and for Joseph and Amy, it happened at a wedding. Joseph was a guest, and Amy was the talent—she performed a solo song during the ceremony. For Joseph, the attraction was instantaneous. He recalls the moment with the clarity of someone who found a rare gemstone in the rough: “I knew right then I needed to meet that girl.”
However, the path to “happily ever after” (and “successful business partners”) wasn’t immediate. Amy was a college student with plans to move to Austria, and she had little interest in the complications of a long-distance relationship. It took Joseph’s characteristic persistence—a trait that would later serve him well in business negotiations—to persuade her to give their relationship a chance.
Persuasion and Distance
That early period of their relationship was a crash course in communication. Navigating the logistics of a potential move abroad while building a romantic foundation required a level of transparency and teamwork that most couples don’t develop for years. When they finally decided to wed on November 25, 2000, they weren’t just committing to a life together; they were committing to a shared professional destiny.
The Birth of Bella Cosa: Sacrifice, Drywall, and Credit Cards
The weeks leading up to their wedding were not spent leisurely planning a honeymoon. Instead, Joseph and Amy were scouting locations for a jewelry store. They eventually set their sights on a space in Willowbrook, Illinois.
The reality of starting a business in your early 20s involves a lot of doors being slammed in your face. Landlords are often hesitant to take a chance on young entrepreneurs with more passion than capital. Joseph recalls one particular negotiation with a famous Chicago landlord. After persistent “cajoling,” Joseph managed to secure an in-person meeting and, eventually, a lease.
The DIY Spirit of Willowbrook
Once the keys were in hand, the real work began. With funds sourced from Joseph’s parents and a collection of maxed-out credit cards, the couple became their own construction crew. They put up the drywall themselves, painted the walls, and prepped the cases. Joseph even considered doing the electrical work until the city intervened, insisting on a licensed professional.
While Joseph was getting his hands dirty with construction, Amy was the logistical anchor. While Joseph negotiated leases, Amy was often “circling the block” in their car to avoid paying for parking—a small but telling detail of how tightly they managed their resources in those early days.
More Than Just a Jewelry Store: A Family Legacy
When Bella Cosa Jewelers officially opened its doors on December 4, 2000, the roles were clearly defined but flexible. Joseph handled the sales and the technical aspects of the jewelry, while Amy managed the “back of the house”—the paperwork, the accounting, and the networking within the local chamber of commerce.
As the business grew, so did their family. The Molfeses raised four children, and for much of their upbringing, the jewelry store was their second home. Customers who visited the Willowbrook location didn’t just see a retail space; they saw a family growing in real-time. This personal touch created a loyal customer base that felt more like an extended family than a list of clients. Today, their oldest son has officially joined the business, ensuring that the “family-owned and operated” ethos continues into the next generation.
Raising a Family Behind the Counter
The integration of family and business is a delicate balance. Amy notes that having their children in the store helped humanize the brand. Customers weren’t just buying a diamond; they were supporting a local family. This transparency built a level of trust that is difficult for large corporate chains to replicate. It also taught their children the value of hard work, as they watched their parents navigate the stressors of business ownership firsthand.
The Secret to a Quarter-Century of Success
Staying in business for 25 years is an achievement; staying married while doing so is a triumph. Joseph and Amy attribute their success to a synergy of “complementary skill sets.”
Complementary Skills: The Gemologist and the Accountant
Joseph is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), bringing a deep technical understanding of stones, precious metals, and the art of the sale. He understands the “fire” in a diamond and the craftsmanship required for a complex repair. Amy, on the other hand, brings the discipline of a business background. She “likes numbers,” managing the financial health of the company with a meticulous eye.
“We’re together all of the time, dealing with the same issues, working through things together,” Joseph says. “That’s the epitome of marriage. You need to be on the same page.” Amy echoes this sentiment, noting that having a partner who truly understands the unique stressors of the jewelry industry makes the burdens much lighter.
Crafting Excellence: The Bella Cosa Experience
Today, Bella Cosa Jewelers has evolved far beyond its humble DIY beginnings. With two locations—the original in Willowbrook and a second in Wilmette—it has become a destination for those seeking high-end luxury and bespoke craftsmanship.
The stores are known for being “full-service,” a term that is often used but rarely executed to this level. From on-site jewelry repairs and professional appraisals to the creation of one-of-a-kind custom engagement rings, the Molfeses have ensured that every jewelry need can be met under their roof.
World-Class Brands and Custom Craftsmanship
The curated selection at Bella Cosa is a “who’s who” of the jewelry world. They carry prestigious brands such as:
- Oscar Heyman: Known as “The Jewelers’ Jeweler,” famous for incredible colored gemstones.
- Tacori: Renowned for their intricate, California-inspired bridal designs.
- Hearts On Fire: Home to “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond.”
- Phillips House: Modern, wearable luxury that appeals to the contemporary woman.
By combining these world-class brands with Joseph’s gemological expertise and a staff of dedicated professionals, Bella Cosa offers a retail experience that is both sophisticated and approachable.
Looking Forward: The 2026 Expansion and Beyond
Twenty-five years might seem like a finish line to some, but for Joseph and Amy Molfese, it is merely a milestone. To celebrate their silver anniversary, the couple hosted a grand holiday party for their loyal clients and staff. But the real celebration lies in their future plans.
The couple is currently preparing to open a third Chicagoland location in 2026. This expansion is a bold move that reflects their confidence in their business model and their commitment to the Chicago community. Joseph is quick to credit their employees for this growth. “We’re fortunate to have employees who work as hard as we work,” he says. From the sales floor to the jeweler’s bench and the marketing department, the team at Bella Cosa shares the founders’ passion for excellence.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Brilliance
The name “Bella Cosa” translates from Italian to “Beautiful Thing.” While the name originally referred to the exquisite jewelry housed within their cases, it has come to represent something much larger. It represents a beautiful partnership, a beautiful family, and a beautiful relationship with the community they serve.
As Joseph and Amy Molfese look back on the last quarter-century, they don’t just see a timeline of business transactions. They see a history of helping people celebrate their own milestones—engagements, anniversaries, births, and “just because” moments. In a world that is constantly changing, Bella Cosa Jewelers remains a steadfast symbol of what happens when love and labor are combined with a singular, sparkling purpose. Here is to 25 years of brilliance, and many more to come.
