Marcelle Bijoux is a collection of handcrafted artisan jewelry consisting of bead and wirework necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings created using semi-precious gemstone beads, Swarovski crystal beads, sterling silver, 14KT gold filled, copper and brass (actually red brass, also known as jeweler's bronze).
Each of my original designs is carefully created one at a time, giving every handmade piece it's own unique character. All items come in a pretty gift box ready for giving.
I love custom orders! If you see something you like but would prefer a different color bead or different metal than pictured, please contact me. Most items can be made with beads other than those shown. I have many colors of Swarovski crystal and an extensive collection of semi-precious and gemstone beads in nearly every color imaginable! Tell me what color you are looking for and I can give you a list of available choices. Most designs can also be made in your choice of sterling silver, 14K gold filled, copper or brass. Let me know what you would like and I would be happy to work with you to create exactly what you want.
I hope you'll enjoy wearing your Marcelle Bijoux jewelry as much as I enjoy creating it for you!
A note about red brass: This metal has a very misleading name. It is not red, but a rich, warm golden color that is very close to gold. It is also not technically brass, but an alloy of mostly copper mixed with zinc and tin. It is highly resistant to corrosion and very durable.
Artist's Bio:
I love creating jewelry in my studio, with my Italian Greyhound Sophia Loren for company, surrounded by colorful beads, metals and tools.
I have always loved making things. As a child I loved to draw, paint, string beads, play with clay, anything creative. My first attempt at fashion design was wrapping and tying fabric scraps around my Barbie dolls. I learned to sew and embroider from my aunt and to crochet from my mother. My family always supported and encouraged my creativity. In junior high and high school I took every art and sewing class available to me. I attended Massachusetts College of Art, concentrating on painting, drawing, photography and some jewelry design courses. I then attended The School of Fashion Design in Boston, where I learned to draft patterns to turn my sketched ideas into garments as well as further developed and polished my sewing skills.
During and after college I worked in retail managing a popular local women's clothing boutique. During that time I started a small beaded jewelry line, which I sold in a few stores along with doing mostly custom work. I eventually opened my own clothing and accessories boutique where I sold my jewelry as well as jewelry, accessories and hosiery by others, women's clothing and shoes. I enjoyed my customers, but found most of my time was spent running the store and less and less on creating. After owning the store for 10 years, I decided to close the store and concentrate on designing and making clothing and jewelry.
I now divide my time between designing my clothing line, Marcelle Designs, launched in 2001 and my jewelry line, Marcelle Bijoux, launched in 2008 and sold on Etsy, ArtFire and my own website, Marcelle Bijoux. I love spending most of my time in my studio near Boston, MA accompanied by my sweet Italian Greyhound, Sophia Loren. I am constantly learning new techniques and perfecting my craft in jewelry making, pattern drafting and sewing. Everything I sell is completely handcrafted by me in my studio. I am addicted to beads, metal, fabric and tools and love being surrounded by them all day! I find inspiration in the rich colors and textures of the materials I am working with. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a circle of creative friends, all of them talented artists and musicians, and a nurturing, encouraging and supportive family. Design and creativity have become a way of life, and I am happiest when creating something beautiful. I am always thrilled to find my customers enjoy wearing my creations as much as I enjoy making them.
Jewelry Skills and Techniques:
Wire Wrapping, Beading, Cold Forging, Forming Metal, Cold Connection Techniques on Metal
