What is sawtooth?

 An artist with an inherent need to create with her hands, Maria Levin was educated at one of the most progressive jewelry learning centers in New York City. Her experience in the field spans manufacturing, repair, and production of fine custom jewelry. An unexpected opportunity to join the faculty of the Arts Center of the Capitol Region lead to a love of teaching her craft to others. When Sawtooth Jewelry Studio was founded in 2015, it was the opportunity to marry the roles of teacher and practitioner.  A 2018 studio expansion would create a venue for Maria to sell her original designs, as well as continuing to provide lessons, private wedding ring workshops and studio rentals for fellow makers and metalsmiths.

 While pursuing her BS in Arts Education at SUNY New Paltz, Chris discovered the art of metalsmithing. In her 40 year career, she has worked for many independent jewelry stores, in addition to owning The Silverlining Studio in Kinderhook, NY. Most recently she was a goldsmith at JK Bloom Jewelers in downtown Troy, until their retirement in 2017. She then joined Sawtooth and was instrumental in moving to the Studio’s current home on lower River Street, where she provides repair services and custom design, in addition to stocking the shop with her original jewelry.

Laurie, the friendly face you'll often find working at the open studio benches in the front windows, is Sawtooth's Studio Assistant.  After a 25 year career as a high school art teacher, Laurie began designing vintage style jewelry that she sells at local art shows and markets under the name Bridge and Tunnel Designs. Her early experience with metalsmithing as an art student 40 years ago at SUNY Geneseo has come full circle to Sawtooth. While helping Chris and Maria with the day to day operations of the studio, Laurie is always learning new techniques to expand her line of jewelry to include handmade and one of a kind pieces in her collections.