By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

Stephanie Swanson of Chesterton is offering her one-of-a-kind, fashionable, fun, fine-art jewelry in a new shop located in Suite 22 in The Factory at 1050 Broadway.

She opened Stephanie Swanson Jewelry Gallery two months ago, and with the holiday season in full swing, she is busy filling special requests for last-minute shoppers.

“I’ve always done custom work, but now these are all my designs,” Swanson said during an interview with the Chesterton Tribune in-between customers requesting special gifts for their wives.

Swanson went to Ball State to become an architect, but began working for a jeweler in Muncie, and has been creating artistic adornments ever since. She has in recent years been doing some of the popular art shows, and developed a loyal following.

“I enjoy working with the customer, who tells me which gems he or she wants, and whether they want a necklace, bracelet, or whatever,” she said. “Then I create the design.

“If they don’t like it, I tell them to bring it back. I don’t want people wearing my work if they don’t like it,” she continued.

Of course, she has a lot of ready-made custom jewelry for sale in showcases in her studio/shop.

“The beach-glass is very popular right now,” she said, as she showed one bracelet she created especially for a customer. It has crinoids interspersed with the beach glass. Beachcombers can truly appreciate the line that flaunts being here on the shores of Lake Michigan. However, some of the beach glass comes from Puerto Rico and other beaches.

“Those who have been to Florida and have seen prices there, really appreciate my prices,” she said.

She said she is not in competition with the fine-jewelers, who sell gold and diamonds, but her jewelry is fine art jewelry. Her prices are moderate. Prices vary depending on the gems used and the time spent on the design. One piece that caught this reporter’s eye was a broach made of Boulder opal with Swiss blue topaz and a druzy pearl displayed on a sterling silver chain. Of course, her signature piece is remarkable. She often wears the piece de’résistance which is a Mabe pearl sculptured broach (which can also be a pin) that is accented with a single ruby, druzy quartz, a salon sapphire, a couple of diamonds showpieced on a necklace of pearls.

“I’ve been doing some Roman coin jewelry, lately,” she continued. “I don’t mass produce, and I like dealing with the customer myself.”

When asked if she has a preference of any of the designs currently for sale, she replied that she likes each one, even though they each are different. She has some exquisite Baltic amber designs, interesting Mabe pearls, and oh, so much more.

The shop, located in the corner of the building next to Muscles in Motion and Reflections hair salon, is a cheerful spot. The yellow walls catch the sunlight and create a warm feeling that radiates a comfortable atmosphere while viewing fine jewelry. Her work table is in the center, letting one know this is where the jewelry is crafted.

“Everyone wants something different. I fill that niche,” she said.

She said she opened the gallery, because it makes her jewelry available in the winter months when she is not doing the art fairs. However, she plans to continue the Chesterton Art Fair, the Schoolhouse Art Fair and the European Market.

Stephanie and her husband Ted have two children, Garrett and Eric.

Her gallery is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, please call 926-2444 or 928-3902.

Posted 12/14/2006