Business Details
26 Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Metals Studio in Wauwatosa, WI
Magpie Jewelry & Metals Studio has been crafting exceptional jewelry and metalwork since its founding in 2000. Located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, our studio is co-owned by Kristen Fogtman-Faust, Terese Millmann, and Christopher Stephens, each bringing decades of expertise in jewelry design and fabrication. We specialize in custom commissions, offering clients the opportunity to collaborate directly with artisans to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Our work encompasses a range of techniques including forging, engraving, mokume gane, and reticulation, utilizing precious metals and gemstones. By partnering with featured artists from across the country, we provide an expanded selection of wearable art and objects.Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service ensures every client receives pieces that reflect their unique vision and style. With over 20 years of experience in the field, we maintain a dedication to innovation while honoring traditional metalworking methods. Our studio serves as both a retail space and creative workshop, allowing visitors to witness the artistry behind each creation. Transparency in our process and materials is central to building trust with our clientele. We take pride in creating heirloom-quality jewelry that combines technical precision with artistic expression.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Metal Engraving
Fabricated Jewelry
Forged Metalwork
Mokume Gane Techniques
Reticulated Silver Work
Gemstone Setting
Jewelry Repair
Artisan Collaborations
Handcrafted Accessories
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in custom jewelry design and fabrication.
- Our team includes master artisans specializing in rare metalworking techniques.
- We collaborate directly with clients to create personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Our partnerships with regional artists expand your selection of wearable art.
- We maintain transparency in materials and processes for complete client confidence.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our custom jewelry service allows clients to collaborate directly with artisans to create unique pieces. We specialize in translating personal stories and preferences into wearable art using gold, silver, and gemstones. Each design undergoes a consultation process to ensure technical feasibility and aesthetic alignment with the client's vision.
Metal Engraving
We offer precision engraving on precious metals to add intricate patterns or personalized text. This technique enhances rings, pendants, and other jewelry with botanical motifs, geometric designs, or meaningful inscriptions. Our engravers combine traditional tools with modern techniques for exceptional detail.
Mokume Gane Techniques
Our mokume gane service creates distinctive layered metal patterns resembling wood grain. We fuse multiple metal sheets to produce unique bands and settings. This Japanese-inspired technique works with gold, silver, and palladium combinations to achieve one-of-a-kind textures and color contrasts.
Gemstone Setting
We specialize in secure, aesthetically pleasing gemstone settings for rings, pendants, and earrings. Our expertise includes traditional prong settings, modern bezel designs, and specialty cuts like trillian and cushion shapes. We work with both natural and lab-created stones to meet client preferences.
Forged Metalwork
Our forging process shapes metal through controlled hammering to create durable, textured pieces. This technique strengthens silver and gold while adding organic patterns to bracelets, rings, and pendants. Forged components often combine with other methods like soldering and casting for complex designs.
People
Kristen Fogtman-Faust
Partner
Co-founder with expertise in jewelry design and business operations. Actively involved in client consultations and studio management since 2000. Brings technical knowledge of metalworking and gemstone selection to custom projects.
Terese Millmann
Partner
Master artisan specializing in fabricated jewelry and complex metal structures. Known for ladder ring designs and multi-metal compositions. Contributes technical precision and creative problem-solving to custom commissions.
Christopher Stephens
Partner
Skilled in forging and engraving techniques with a focus on organic forms. Creates distinctive pieces using reticulated silver and unconventional gemstone arrangements. Provides hands-on craftsmanship for both production and custom work.
Questions
What types of custom jewelry can you create?
We create rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other wearable art using gold, silver, and gemstones. Our techniques include forging, engraving, and mokume gane.
How does the custom design process work?
We begin with a consultation to discuss your ideas, materials, and budget. Our artisans then create sketches and prototypes before final production begins.
Do you work with clients outside Wisconsin?
Yes, we collaborate with clients nationwide through virtual consultations and secure shipping for custom pieces.
What metalworking techniques do you specialize in?
Our expertise includes forging, engraving, mokume gane, reticulation, and fabrication using both traditional and modern methods.
Can you repair or modify existing jewelry?
We offer repair services and can modify heirloom pieces while preserving their original character and integrity.
Do you sell finished jewelry in addition to custom work?
Yes, our studio features a curated selection of ready-to-wear pieces created by our team and partner artists.
Reviews (5)
Valerie Troutman
May 27, 2021
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Answered all of my questions, very knowledgeable and extremely kind! Would highly recommend them to others for jewelry repair.
Mary Ellen Fitts
Sep 30, 2020
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Therese is very helpful and talented! We redesigned our 25th anniversary rings to accomodate our 50th! Beautiful art items as well as jewelry in the store!
Keith Stachowiak
Jun 27, 2020
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My wife and I worked with Christopher to have wedding bands made. We ended with very simple rings, which we love. But getting there, Christopher was extremely helpful and guided us through the process. Along the way, we also purchased earrings and a bracelet from Kristen to be worn for the wedding. We are very grateful to Magpie and would highly recommend them to others.
T. S.
May 21, 2020
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Highly recommended. I purchased a custom engraved gold wedding band from Chris at Magpie and had a wonderful experience. I gave him an idea of what I wanted (theme of the ring, images I liked) and he crafted them into a composition that spoke well in ring form. He was kind and seemed to care a great deal. There was an issue with the order of the band from the gold supplier, but Chris stepped in and made it right. Chris does excellent work and I would definitely recommend Magpie to a friend. Plus the shop dog is cool.
Amy Schoofs-Rahne
May 18, 2019
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Christopher Stephens is an amazing Jewelry designer. He worked with us to create our unique wedding rings, along with those of several of our friends. Highly recommended!
