Christopher Sklba

Co-Owner and Lead Metalsmith

A lifelong Racinian, Christopher started in the jewelry industry in 1982. Chris graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, BFA 1991 and has focused on jewelry making since then, combining his love of gemstones and metals with strong design and emphasis on craftsmanship. He and his wife, Stephanie, opened Art Metals Studio in 2004. He studied colored stones, platinum work, and advanced diamond grading through the GIA. Awards include two first place awards from the Wisconsin jewelers association for ring designs.

Chris thoroughly enjoys his wife, kids, family and friends, yardwork, photography, crafting homebrews, and creating precious wearable artwork to last for generations.

Stephanie Sklba

Co-Owner and Business Manager

Stephanie is a life-long Racinian, who graduated from University of Wisconsin–Parkside and has worked in the downtown area most of her career. She met Chris while in college, and has supported his creativity while expanding her professional expertise of education.

Stephanie is the "behind the scenes" individual taking care of the details of the business while ensuring customer satisfaction and employee dedication. Stephanie and Chris opened Art Metals Studio in 2004 in Downtown Racine.

Diana Krause

Store Manager
Accredited Jewelry Professional (GIA)

Diana attended University of Wisconsin–Parkside and has had continued eductaion in Pearl grading. She has 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry and has established a reputation of exceptional customer service. Her thoughful, classic aeshetics and attention to details will enhance your experience in the custom design preocess and ensure confidence in your selection of the perfect piece of jewelry.

Emily Jones

Production Assistant

Emily has been studying the art and profession of metalsmithing for 10 years. She's been with Art Metals Studio since 2004 working as a production assistant and bench jeweler. Her custom designs have won state and national awards including First Place with the Wisconsin Jeweler's Association, and Third Place and Buyer's Choice with Jewelers of America. She completed training to receive GIA certification, and studied pearl grading in Chicago.

Emily designs with metals and gems, assists with custom pieces and repair, and does the pearl stringing for the studio. She is dedicated to exceptional quality in her work and customer satisfaction. Emily continues to expand her skills through work, education and shows, and is currently building a personal studio in her home.

Laura Swetish

Customer Consultant
Accredited Jewelry Professional (GIA)

Laura received her BFA in Industrial Design from Layton School of Art. Since 1988, Laura has been working in the Jewelry profession with special emphasis on helping the customer develop a conceptual design for their custom piece of jewelry. Through the use of photos, waxes, and sketches, Laura can help the customer reach a direction for the goldsmith to build on.

Mallory Oleson Willing

Production Assistant

Mallory has been studying art metals since 2001, starting at Horlick High School and continuing through Wustum Museum and University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is currently an active student at the University Wisconsin–Parkside, majoring in studio art. As a production assistant, Mallory assists with work on both custom pieces and in-store repair work. Mallory also exhibits a one-of-a-kind line of her own custom pieces, Mallory Gallery, shown exclusively at Art Metals Studio.