With a BA from Simmons College and a background in teaching and social services, Marcia Dean owes her career as a craft artist to a flat tire. At the auto repair shop she chatted with another customer who invited her to join his jewelry making class. Soon after learning the basics of metal-smithing, she began to fabricate her original designs into earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. She creates them all in her airy third floor studio space.

To create an intricate pattern Marcia scribes the design onto a flat piece of silver or gold using a brass template she created from her original drawing. She drills holes where the design calls for an open space and precisely hand cuts the desired shapes with a jeweler's saw, then textures and finishes each piece. Each opal pendant and ring is designed around the shape of the featured stone using various combinations of sterling silver, 14K and 22K gold. Opals remain a favorite because of their flashing color movement and one-of-a-kind complexity.

Custom orders are available, including wedding bands.

In addition, Marcia is an enthusiastic contemporary quilter. Fabric is her passion and pleasure in every step of the process from choosing the colors to the meditative handquilting.