For those looking for jewelry, flasks and other accessories that keep things classy while adding a bit of macabre flair, you’re likely to find just what you’re looking for at Diamond*Star*Halo. From earrings to belt buckles, the ornate creations of Jen Belgard maintain a rococo style while incorporating pop culture icons such as monsters, Muppets and circus performers. But jewelry making isn’t Belgard’s only creative endeavor as she is also involved with a baton-twirling group known as Turnin’ TriXXX and is co-owner of the Atlanta-based boutique known as Libertine. More recently, she has turned her tricks to a darker group of performers known as the Baphomettes, an alluring collection of demonic dames. Regardless of which form her creativity takes, Belgard has been a constant supporter of Monstrosity Championship Wrestling for more than a year. When MCW returns to Club Famous this Friday, there will be several DSH creations available as raffle prizes. As Belgard prepares for her own birthday celebration, she talks to Wrestling with Pop Culture about her wares.

For someone just discovering Diamond*Star*Halo, how would you describe your creations? What inspires you aesthetically and how do you choose which form each piece will take on?

Diamond*Star*Halo was born from my love of haunting fairy tales, sideshows, horror/occult art and culture, vintage jewelry and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a collection of accessories for people looking for something out of the ordinary. I like my accessories to set me apart from the crowd. I couldn’t find the things I was looking for so I willed them into being.

You’ve been a supporter of MCW since Wrestling with Pop Culture’s first anniversary last March, with your items being big prizes in the MCW raffles. Why do you think DSH and MCW complement each other so well?

I watched wrestling as a kid. It always struck me as a sideshow soap opera. What’s not to love? The storylines, the over-the-top costumes and antics of wrestlers like Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and “Macho Man” Randy Savage drew me in.  Adding monsters to the mix makes it all the more amazing. DSH and MCW make perfect sense to me.

Aside from DSH, you also have creative outlets with Turnin’ TriXXX, the Baphomettes and Libertine. There is a thread of similarity between each of these entities, as well as your other endeavors. Which parts of your personality would you say are on display with each of these endeavors?

They really aren’t so different. The common thread is my unwillingness to give up the things I love just because I’ve grown up. I will always let my imagination run away with me. I will always twirl my baton to punk rock and metal. I will always wear costumes, too much makeup and even more hair. Be it Diamond*Star*Halo, Turnin’ TriXXX, the Baphomettes or Libertine these things hold true.

The Baphomettes recently made an appearance at MCW, escorting the mysterious Angel of Death to the ring. What is your connection to this rookie wrestler and what can we expect from him at future MCW events?

Professor Morté asked the Baphomettes to escort the Angel of Death to the ring. Unfortunately, he is not a worthy recipient of the powers bestowed upon the Baphomettes. We have no allegiance to that wrestler.

What does the future hold for DSH, Turnin’ TriXXX, the Baphomettes and any of your other projects? Any new creations or performances coming up?

I have a constant stream of ideas of Diamond*Star*Halo. Something new debuts all the time. Locally, you can find DSH at Junkman’s Daughter, the Oakland Cemetery gift shop, Cherry Blossom Salon, Mysteria Antiques & Oddities, Rutabaga Boutique & Salon and of course, Libertine. DSH is also available online at www.diamondstarhalo.com and a limited selection is available at www.sourpussclothing.com. Turnin’ TriXXX is on hiatus until Halloween. We can’t let the cat of of the bag on those plans quite yet. The Baphomettes have several collaborations and performances coming up. We recently joined the fabulous Blast-Off Burlesque on stage as they presented Taboo-La-La at the Plaza Theatre. We look forward to working with them several more times this year. (Hint, hint: look for their upcoming show in September!) We are also in talks with our fiercely talented friends, the Little Five Points Rock Star Orchestra for a show this summer. More details to come!