In a cozy storefront at 66 Washington Street, Marblehead Custom Jewelry has quickly become a trusted destination for fine jewelry repairs, custom pieces, and in-house gemstone expertise. Since opening last October, owner Steven Tyler Manchini and his team have brought a deep love of craftsmanship and community to their work, one sparkling piece at a time.
Manchini, a Salem State graduate who originally studied biology, has been making jewelry for more than 13 years. “It started with wire wrapping and vending at music shows,” he said. “Even though I wasn’t quite good at it at the beginning, I just loved the process. Discovering different gemstones and learning how they’re used in jewelry became a constant source of inspiration for me.”
That early spark evolved into mastery in metalsmithing and gemstone cutting, and now into the storefront that is Marblehead Custom Jewelry. “We wanted to create a solid base for the community,” said Manchini. “Somewhere people could go for trusted repairs, custom work, or even to have stones cut — all done in-house.”
The store operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and also by appointment. Manchini co-owns the business with Ernie Thomas and Maria, who handles communications. Graham Henderson, a certified gemologist and appraiser from the Gemological Institute of America, works alongside them as a contractor and is on track toward ownership.
Henderson brings a specialized knowledge of diamonds, colored stones, and precious metals, backed by years of experience in the gem trade. “I’ve always been fascinated by ancient cultures and the spiritual connections to stones,” he said. “Now I get to see the personal stories that people bring with their jewelry — it’s really rewarding.”
What truly sets Marblehead Custom Jewelry apart is the scope of services all done under one roof. “Not many jewelers also cut gemstones,” Manchini said. “That’s something that really sets us apart. We can take someone’s idea, their vision, and bring it to life right here.”
Repairs are often the first entry point for customers. “It’s how we build trust,” he explained. “People come in with something that’s broken or worn, and when they see how much care we put into restoring it, they come back — and often with ideas for custom pieces.”
Engagement rings are one of the shop’s biggest specialties. “There’s something so meaningful about being part of someone’s story in that way,” said Manchini. “We’ve had a number of really special projects, and each one reinforces why we love what we do.”
The team’s community-first approach has earned them a growing and loyal customer base. “We really want to be a fixture in Marblehead,” Manchini said. “We’re not here for the tourist crowd — we’re here to build long-term relationships with people who appreciate quality craftsmanship.”
That sincerity shows in every detail, from gemstone identification by Henderson to repairs and custom fabrication by the shop’s talented artisans. While they don’t refurbish watches, nearly everything else can be handled in-house. And with a philosophy rooted in passion and purpose, it’s clear this is more than just a jewelry store — it’s a creative hub dedicated to excellence.
“We just love what we do,” Manchini said. “And we love the people. Our goal is simple: to bring the best product and the best service to our community.”
Marblehead Custom Jewelry will hold a Gem and Jewelry Identification Day on Saturday, July 26 from 11a.m.-5p.m. Interested customers can bring up to three gemstones or items of jewelry for a complimentary identification on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, call Marblehead Custom Jewelry at 413-328-1383 or email info@marbleheadcustomjewelry.com.
