meet the maker
- driven by inspiration -
My family moved to Whidbey Island in 2021 to care for my elderly mother. After a year, I started putting a home studio together, it’s small but mighty, with a GORGEOUS view of the ocean and mountains and more wildlife than I can name.
I specialize in custom projects, starting from scratch, or using gems and metal you already have. I do everything by hand from sketches and wax models, to sanding and polishing to setting the gemstones. If you're interested in working together, please contact me and together we will make your ideas come to life.
how it all began
- jewelry designer & maker -
1981-2006
Deborah Spencer Designs
Was an appointment-only studio in downtown Portland, OR. I had a three prong approach to my business there: design and make one of a kind incredible pieces for my private clients, and when time allowed, I made small production lines for wholesale sales and a combination of one of a kind and production pieces for gallery sales. I learned so much and made some AMAZING pieces, because I was asked to think outside the box.
2006-2021
Trios Studio
I partnered with Kathe Mai and Mary Wong to open a full on retail Store in Lake Oswego, OR. Our mission was to educate clients about responsible sourcing metals, gemstones and diamonds, and boy did we educate! I’m still very passionate about creating with materials that are natural and handled in sustainable ways. We designed, made and repaired thousands of pieces of jewelry at Trios, and because of that, we had the opportunity to help communities build water wells, schools, teacher houses and temples, and get uniforms, school supplies and medical supplies.
ethos + aesthetic
- handmade & ethically sourced -
The wonderful thing about jewelry is that it's more than just its materials, a piece can encapsulate emotion, symbolism, celebration, tell a story and so much more. Through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, I create precious talismans to be treasured through time.
conscious jewelry from the heart
In a world of mass-produced trinkets, churned out by faceless machines, the allure of sparkling gems and precious metals often overshadows the journey that these materials take from the earth to your jewelry box. Deb has been challenging this paradigm, pioneering sustainable practices that not only protect our planet but also enhance the intrinsic value of each piece she makes whether it’s creating a new design or re-styling a piece of heirloom jewelry.
see deb in action
Watch Deborah Spencer re-style family jewelry into a contemporary wedding set. By combining elements of sentimental family wedding rings with a uniquely embossed sterling silver band, Deb created an expressive, one of a kind, custom duo.
testimonials
- what clients say about deborah -
"Deb is a good listener, and she is creative and detailed to the finest degree. I asked her to design a jeweled piece that was broach-like to be used as a button cover for the top of a tuxedo shirt, a unique concept and design requirement. She developed three styles that fit the criteria, and I ended up buying two of the designs."
-Alexander W.
"Deborah has been creating beautiful, original works of art for me for the past 25 years. Whether it's a custom piece with very specific requirements or a simple pair of diamond studs, the originality, quality and craftsmanship that are her hallmarks are always present. She is a master of design whether it's her own creation or turning my glimmer of an idea into something that perfectly represents my vision."
- Valerie E.