Meet the Artisan
The Story
Hi, I'm Marcela and every piece of jewelry I create begins in my studio — with a sketch, a quiet drawing of love on paper.This quiet space is where I sit and draw images of love. These sketches are the soul of each design, slowly taking shape in metal and stone. Over time, they become the jewels meant to be worn, treasured and passed on.
My story isn’t written directly in the silver or gold, nor fully spelled out in the textures or colors of the gems I choose. It lives in the passion and trust I place in my hands — and in the tradition I carry with me.
I grew up in Quito, the historic capital of Ecuador, where I first learned the ancient techniques that shaped my craft. Those early lessons are woven into everything I create, blending heritage with emotion, memory with meaning.
Today, my studio is more than just a workspace — it’s a home filled with history, heart, and artisan made artistry.
Where it all began
I arrived at the atelier Escuela Bernardo de Legarda — and I found it!
I was born in Quito, Ecuador, a country full of historical sites and rich traditions. As a shy girl, I was always searching for a way to express myself. I loved working with my hands, and thanks to the encouragement of my first art teacher, I discovered that art was my voice.
After high school, I explored graphic design. While I learned a great deal, it never felt like home.
That changed the day I wandered into Quito’s historic Old Town and stepped inside a beautiful Spanish-Colonial house. I was instantly captivated by the rich textures, the scent of burning pitch, the sound of chisels, and the glow of torches from the silversmithing workshop. I had found the Escuela Bernardo de Legarda — and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
For four years, I practiced silversmithing, focusing on chasing and repoussé under the guidance of my maestro, Don Jorge Espinoza — a man of wisdom, large hands, and a generous heart. I spent six hours a day immersed in traditional techniques that would become the soul of my work. It was there, in La Escuela, where I not only honed my craft but also began to uncover my true self.
Leaving Home, finding myself
After graduating, I was awarded a scholarship to study in Florence, Italy. Leaving Ecuador meant saying goodbye to my family, my comfort zone, and the warmth of my first home. Florence marked a turning point — I found young love and the beginning of a journey that would take me far from where I started, helping me build a life in a new country.
When I briefly returned to Ecuador, I set up my first small studio in the back of my mother’s house. It was simple, but it was mine — and it still holds a sacred place in my heart. But my journey wasn’t over.
Not long after, I packed up my tools — and part of my heart — and moved to Chicago in the dead of winter. I was homesick and longing for the traditions that had once grounded me. I knew Chicago wasn’t my final stop, and soon I moved again — this time to Bloomington, Indiana.
There, I began to rebuild. I worked in a local jewelry store, made lifelong friends, and finally began to gain recognition for my artistic work. Slowly but surely, I started reconnecting with the passion I had once boxed away.
Finding My Studio
Eventually, I followed my heart once more — this time to the sunny beaches of Florida. Here, in a quiet corner of my home, I’ve created a new studio. My daughter was born here, and it feels only natural that my jewelry should be born here too.
Today, my studio is nestled by the beautiful shores of South Florida, where every piece I design and make, carries a story of love, heritage, and the journey that brought me here — stories I’m proud to share with you.
Today, I welcome you into my studio. Take a look at what I’ve created recently, and feel free to imagine how you might carry my art with you on your own journey — and begin creating your own traditions.