Meet Marcia Wallgren of Ohio Silver Co. - Heart of the Business
How did your story Begin? What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
I learned silversmithing as a teenager when my dad taught me to silver solder at age 14, and won a National Scholastic Award and a scholarship to the Corcoran School of Art with my silver jewelry in high school. I sold my jewelry to support myself while I attended art school for college.
We made all the jewelry ourselves when Ohio Silver began, and then added the work of other independent jewelers, both national and international. The jewelry we sell is fair trade, which supports the jewelers and their families in the US, Poland, Bali, India, Thailand, Nepal, Italy & Mexico.
My background is fine arts, and I love nature, stones, and color, so offer jewelry with a variety of gems including Larimar which only comes from one square kilometer on the planet, fossils, and amber, which is fossilized tree sap, and even meteorites.
Our devoted fans find well designed, well-made handcrafted sterling silver jewelry with genuine stones at affordable prices.
What do you love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs?
I love Yellow Springs, and the surrounding natural beauty and community are why I chose to live here. I am lucky to be able to work where I live. I love working for myself, and love the people I’ve worked with, all who became friends, as well as my wonderful fellow store owners and interesting clients.
“Our jewelry collections are truly one of a kind.“
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
Yellow Springs is home, and though I probably could have earned more by locating in a larger community, the ability to live and work here has been worth the tradeoff. People here support the arts and artists and appreciate the ethics of fair trade.
When you’re not working, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
Music and food at Trail Town Brewing, especially Thursdays, music at the Emporium on Fridays, Sunrise & the Winds Cafe, and Bentinos. Asanda, the YS Pottery, Bonadies Glass Studio, YS Toy Co. & Dark Star are favs. Foundry Theatre and of course Glen Helen, which brought me here.
What items do people love most – and what makes them special to you?
Natural uncut gemstones set in sterling have been in demand, including tanzanite, ruby, & rose quartz. Kingman turquoise, Larimar & amber jewelry are very popular and Italian and Balinesian handmade silver chain in different lengths are always flying off the rack.
We have the best selection of handmade silver jewelry in the area.
What are the top three things you love most about being a small business owner?
Independence and the amazing people I have gotten to meet and work with, including jewelry designers, my staff, and our wonderful clients.
What is the mission or heart behind your business…the “why” that keeps you going?
My love of art, beauty and nature and sharing what I find keeps me going. I love supporting other jewelry craftspeople around the world, but tariffs could end that.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
The current economy is driving up the price of silver, and I was fortunate to purchase inventory before the major price increases and tariffs took effect, allowing me to keep prices low for now. The change in traffic patterns from the Short Street closure has negatively impacted my business, and the ongoing lack of downtown parking continues to be an issue, often pitting villagers against visitors.
Everything remains in flux due to these local and national challenges.
What’s something that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
We’ve been voted the best place to buy jewelry in the Dayton area many times in the Dayton Daily News Best of Dayton awards, competing against gold and diamond sellers. We offer affordable, high-quality, expressive jewelry that people can wear every day…after all, how often does someone buy a diamond?
In addition to running this small business, what other hats do you wear?
I write and create art, am a longtime member of the Archaeological Society of Ohio, and have decades of experience in environmental volunteer work.
Can you share a special memory or moment with a client that has stayed with you?
A customer dropped off a box of Marie’s chocolates with a note thanking us “for making special moments in life into memories” and saying our jewelry collections “are truly one of a kind”.
We have had a couple of customers get engaged in the store, and one customer brought a quilt they made for their favorite staff member who was moving away.
Ohio Silver Co. is located at 245 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Founded in 1971 and owned by Marcia Wallgren since 1974, Ohio Silver is a longtime Yellow Springs boutique featuring handcrafted sterling silver jewelry and fair-trade pieces from independent artisans around the world.
Rooted in a love of art, nature, and craftsmanship, the shop, with a staff of three employees and additional during special events – offers a curated selection of gemstones, fossils, amber, and unique silverwork. Known for its quality, affordability, and variety, Ohio Silver Co. remains a beloved destination for expressive, handmade jewelry in the village.
Visit Ohio Silver Co.
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
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Meet Marcia Wallgren of Ohio Silver – Heart of the Business
“My love of art, beauty and nature and sharing what I find keeps me going.”
Marcia Wallgren, Ohio Silver Co.
Yellow Springs Wins Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns 2025-26
A vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection is on full display as Yellow Springs takes center stage in a beautifully curated, limited-edition commemorative magazine release that captures the heart of the village from cover to cover.
