If you ever find yourself anxiously wondering whether you’ve somehow missed your true calling in life, take heart: These things have a way of catching up to you. Just ask Stephanie Maslow-Blackman, the gemstone-loving New York-based metalsmith behind Metalicious.
In 1995, Stephanie was working a “boring job” in media production when she wandered into her local art school, hoping to channel her pent-up creative energy into a pottery class. “The pottery class was full but I was desperate,” Stephanie recalls. “I was like, ‘I’ll take whatever you have.’” And just like that, she found herself enrolled in metalsmithing.
“From the minute I held that saw in my hand and started cutting into the copper, I was hooked,” says Stephanie. “It just fulfilled me. It’s like this is what my hands were made to do: I was born to make jewelry.”
It sounds meant to be, but one might wonder: What if the pottery class hadn’t been full? Would Stephanie have missed out on jewelry making entirely?
“I firmly believe that you can’t keep your passions hidden for long,” says Stephanie. “They find a way out of you one way or another. Jewelry would have found me eventually—I know that in my heart.”
Read on to learn more about how Stephanie turned her passion into a business, and shop the collection.
How did you go from falling in love with jewelry to becoming a full-time jeweler?
Once I enrolled in that class, I became obsessed with jewelry making and would talk about it all the time. My friends were finally like, “You know what? We’re really sick of hearing you talk about it. Go do it.” So I found a job working for another designer. It was a really tiny company and I did everything from gemstone buying and customer service to working with the designers and working in production. Along the way I learned a lot about how to run my own business.
After that I felt like I needed a new kind of challenge, so I got a job working for a big jewelry company here in New York. It was a completely different experience—I went from making these exquisite, beautifully handcrafted pieces, to this factory-made, mass-manufactured, kind of soulless jewelry. That job had some challenges that I loved, but it also taught me a lot about what I didn’t want when I opened my own company. When you’re at that size and scale you lose out on working directly with your customers, and you lose sight of what the jewelry is about.
When did you decide to open Metalicious?
After I had my first son 12 years ago, I wanted to slow down. That’s when I opened Metalicious. I set up this tiny workbench in a corner of my bedroom and I would work when my son was sleeping. I worked every minute that I could to build up inventory for craft fairs. It was at one of those craft fairs that a customer told me I should be selling on Etsy. I was like, “What the heck is Etsy?”
When I got home and went to Etsy it was like: Oh my gosh, these are my people. It was such a wonderful community that understood the value of making something thoughtfully—one piece at a time, with your hands, from your heart. It was just the perfect fit for me.
Your collection is so beautiful, but also so varied. What do you think draws people to specific pieces?
I started making jewelry to give people a way to tell their stories through these tiny sculptures, these little pieces of art that you wear. I take what I’ve learned through my different life experiences and it comes out through my jewelry, and I think that really resonates with my customers. At first they may not know why a piece has called to them, but then they explain what they’re going through, and it makes total sense—it connects to their story. I’m telling you, there’s always a story behind why people buy jewelry. It’s not just because it will go well with a dress, there’s something they want to celebrate in one way or another.
How did you branch into wedding and engagement rings?
All of my metals are recycled, and I don’t use diamonds in my work—I use ethically sourced gemstones. Eventually, people started contacting me because they liked my rings as alternative, non-diamond engagement rings. These people were telling their stories too, and they were stories about being eco-friendly, about having an ethical wedding, about not contributing to the downfall of the environment.
It was this huge “aha” moment for me, and working with couples to create unique, alternative engagement rings and commitment bands became a huge part of my business. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of someone’s forever.
Speaking of gemstones, what’s your favorite stone?
That’s like naming my favorite child, but I’d have to say, I love rainbow moonstones. They’re such a beautiful, meaningful stone. Moonstones represent new beginnings, and ancient Romans used to say that moonstones were drops of moonlight, which I think is such a beautiful image. I love how they’re ever-changing; they can show this beautiful range of color that you can’t get in any other stone.
What trends are you seeing right now for gemstone jewelry and commitment bands?
Rainbow moonstones are definitely hot. I also work with this cool stone called moissanite. It’s a manmade stone from North Carolina. It’s clear, but it has more sparkle than a diamond. It’s got these little bits of rainbow flash that are beautiful. You can see it sparkling from across the room. It’s ethical and it’s eco-friendly, and it doesn’t cost anywhere near what a diamond would cost.
I’m also seeing people moving toward more natural forms. I have a ring, my pirouette ring, which is one of my best sellers. I think people love it because it literally is a tiny sculpture—you can look at it from every angle and it has movement. It’s so natural and organic—I think people are looking for things that are a little less geometric now.
And rose gold! Rose gold and rainbow moonstones together are mind-blowing. You’ll look at it and you will weep because it’s just such a beautiful combination.
Follow Metalicious on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Photographs by Andrea Buman and Metalicious.
58 comments
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 3 years ago
What a beautiful jewelry line, Stephanie...your moonstone pieces are truly exquisite! Such a neat work space as well!!! Congratulations on the feature and many blessings for your continued success! :D
Donna Roberge from DonnaRobergePhoto said 3 years ago
I love your shop and story, and your work is beautiful. Congrats and all the best to you in the future.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 3 years ago
Your jewelry is beautiful! Congratulations on the feature!
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 3 years ago
Lovely jewelry! Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry...love your shop!!!
DeUno from DeUno said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 3 years ago
Much more rewarding to have your own shop instead of working for the big company. Congratulations on breaking free!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 3 years ago
Very nice items. Congrats on the shop feature.
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 3 years ago
Everything about this is just so incredibly stunning and inspiring--plus those moonstones! Drooling! Congratulations on such a gorgeous feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 3 years ago
Beautiful work, congrats on the feature!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 3 years ago
wow...the details!!! lovely work, beautiful line of jewelry!! congrats on the feature!!
Amy Madden from sweetolivejewelry said 3 years ago
Congrats on the feature, Stephanie! Beautiful work and I LOVE your studio!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 3 years ago
Beautiful craftsmanship, love your work space, so organized, great feature!
Rita from OnceLostBoutique said 3 years ago
Lovely!! I'm the person for something simple and yet elegant !
Donna Faye Creations from DonnaFayeCreations said 3 years ago
Great piece. What would be your advice to someone wanting to get into the craft?
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 3 years ago
I love rainbow moonstones too. It is so true that you have to try different things to know what you like and don't like. Congratulations on the feature.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 3 years ago
What a beautiful shop! Gorgeous designs and wonderful photography! I enjoyed reading your story. So glad you are able to turn your passion into a career! Congrats on the feature and best wishes!
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 3 years ago
Gorgeous and unique!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 3 years ago
I love your work space. Congrats!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop. I wish you much success :)
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 3 years ago
Rainbow moonstone is such a romantic stone and your jewelry is amazing! Congrats on the feature Stephanie!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry line. Congrats on the feature!
Emo from EmotionalOasis said 3 years ago
Love how you have evolved over the years, but you still stay connected to who you are & you are so able to clearly convey that. You're still the same rockstar that I met years ago. Kudos Licious!!
Cassie from ShopClementine said 3 years ago
Stephanie! I can't believe you hadn't already been featured, that's crazy! Huge congrats and I loved this dive into your studio and your process. And I agree about rainbow moonstones and rose gold :)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 3 years ago
What a beautiful line of jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 3 years ago
Your jewelry is so beautiful!! Much continued success!!
Lingua Nigra from linguaNigra said 3 years ago
Yeaaah! I remember that bench! This is so well deserved! So happy for you and your beautiful jewelry.
Abby from SweetBloomCA said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop and story, so inspiring! Congrats on the feature, Stephanie - keep up the amazing work! :)
Barbara Moore from CapitalCityCrafts said 3 years ago
Wonderful article! I feel very privileged to know Stephanie and she is so very genuine. She really cares about her customers and this shows in each piece she creates.
Lenny Mud from LennyMud said 3 years ago
One of the most beautiful shops on Etsy- one of the most awesome people on the planet!!! So proud to call you a friend. Congrats and XO
J Topolski from jtopolski said 3 years ago
Yay Stephanie! So happy to see you featured here. :)
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 3 years ago
Beautiful work and inspiring story! Congratulations on the feature!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 3 years ago
Beautiful creations and work! Wishing you all the best and continued success!!!
tanaphat danintha from Waverleytiedye said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop
Mollie Ann Meserve from RoughMagicCreations said 3 years ago
What a wonderful feature! I've loved this shop since I first saw it - such gorgeous jewelry!
Cathy White from msbijouxjewelry said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry and lovely shop, congratulations on a great feature!
Gaetana from SatinDollCo said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature Stephanie!!!
Lolafalk from LolafalkLeathergoods said 3 years ago
Beautiful work from one of the loveliest people I know! Congratulations Steph!!
Elizabeth and Jeffrey McGee from AdliteCreations said 3 years ago
You have an awesome shop Stephanie! You're a great example of someone who followed her passion. But there's so much that follows true passion, there's uniqueness, customer awareness and the need for a challenge. You seem to have found all those things. Nice job. Blessings, Elizabeth
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats!
Antonia from HerzTreasure said 3 years ago
Amazing
Gillian Northcott from Esani said 3 years ago
Beautiful work. I love that it sort go happened by accident by not being able to get into the pottery class.
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 3 years ago
Gasp! I love gem stones but I always hesitate to buy them because I'm never sure if they have been sourced responsibly! I'm so tickled that you are being so environmentally responsible. Awesome! I also love your pieces ; ) congrats on the feature!
小草 胡 said 3 years ago
good job~
Austeja Square from HalfSquares said 3 years ago
Beautiful work, congrats!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 3 years ago
oh so amazing !!!!!!!
telmanadine from telmanadine said 3 years ago
Alguempode dar me atenção? Quero cancelar o pédido que fiz, não posso pagar.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 3 years ago
Beautiful Jewelry & Wonderful Story! "These are my people" is how I feel too! Congrats!!
HappyIndustries from HappyIndustries said 3 years ago
Beautiful Work. I love it.
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
R. Anne from LnRworks said 3 years ago
Your shop is lovely! Great job on the feature ^_^
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 3 years ago
Lovely! Great feature, congrats! : )
Roxanne Vigil from RLBabyDesigns said 3 years ago
Awesome, thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
BioMed DB Design LLC from BiomedDesign said 3 years ago
Wow! So much detailed work. I thought our sewing is time consuming... Beautiful jewelery! Congrats on the featurning.
Lisa from NoteTrunk said 3 years ago
Lovely Work :) Best Wishes!
jessie lavon from JessieLavonFolkArt said 3 years ago
so enjoyed seeing your jewelry, and I love your story.
President Antiques from PresidentAntiques said 1 year ago
Totally cool!!! Best wishes!!!