About Us
Remembering Beth
Beth Marie Millner, age 40, passed away on January 5, 2025 at her home in Marquette, Michigan.
Beth was a longtime community member, and business owner/designer at Beth Miller Jewelry.
She attended Marinette High School, UW-Marinette and Northern Michigan University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Metalsmithing.
Beth loved the lakeshore and was known for being up at sunrise and picking agates on the beach that were later incorporated into jewelry designs. Sustainability was a driving factor and the studio worked to minimize impact on natural resources. Beth collaborated with other artists and supported initiatives that promoted the arts. She founded Up with Local (2010). During the Pandemic of 2020, Beth helped artists by offering a platform to sell cloth masks, handled the packing and shipping and she personally cut the nose pieces that fit into the masks.
Beth Millner Jewelry had a deep-seated commitment to giving back and collaborating with local non-profit organizations through the studios Jewelry Fundraiser Program. This philanthropy resulted in over $65,000 being donated to local non-profits and 1,675 trees planted in national forests.
Beth was a Board Member at Northern Initiatives 2014-2018 and served on the local Chamber of Commerce (2015-2018). She received countless awards over the years including: Marquette County Arts - Special Recognition Award in (2012), NMU Outstanding Young Alumni (2018), Woman Owned Small Business of the Year (2021).
Beth had numerous connections in the Upper Peninsula and even if you did not have a close tie, you felt you knew her, as she was a presence in the Upper Peninsula.
About us
Beth Millner Jewelry was designed with the modern individual's active lifestyle in mind, to provide them with simple pieces that can be worn all day, no matter the occasion. Our nature-inspired designs are timeless, connecting wearers to the beauty of the natural world and to the values of our community. Wearing our jewelry means more than just a fashionable accessory – it is a reminder of our dedication to the environment, and to ethical practices that we strive for in all aspects of our work.
Ethical
The jewelry created by Beth Millner is crafted with not only skill and precision, but with a deep love and respect for the natural world and our beautiful home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Each piece is made by hand in our little studio above the storefront in Marquette, Michigan, using recycled metal and copper sourced from the White Pine Mine in Ontonagon, Michigan. Many of the gems and stones used in the jewelry are locally sourced, with special care taken to ensure that each piece is imbued with joy, connection, and a lasting reminder of the beauty of our home. Our engagement rings come with Recycled Diamonds, Lab Grown Diamonds, Montana Sapphires, or Moissanite for extra sparkle and beauty.
Process
The drawings, paintings and photographs Beth creates were used to make paper design templates that are glued to the metal allowing the studio to make matching earrings, pendants and repeating design elements. Beth and her team hand fabricate pieces of jewelry using the jewelers saw, files, and hammers. They also use a the lost wax casting process in the studio. This process involves mold making and working with wax and investment. Wax models are surrounded with a plaster-like substance. The wax is melted out of the investment, then molten silver or gold is injected where the wax once was. They also do lapidary work to cut and polish some of the agates used in the finished jewelry.
Inspiration
Beth's designs are inspired by the natural environment in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The shoreline of Lake Superior is a constant source of influence, some of her favorites are the pebble beaches and the cresting waves. Her designs feature chickadees, woodpeckers, waves, trees, butterflies, and flowers from her local environment. She finds nature an endless source of inspiration.
Gifts that Give Back
We have a deep-seated commitment to giving back and collaborating with local non-profit organizations through our Jewelry Fundraiser Program and jewelry donations, and proudly sponsoring events hosted by non-profits. Our goal is to make a difference in our community and spread love and joy to those around us.
Design
Beth has a special connection to the beauty of Lake Superior, which is why she often photographs, sketches and paints her backyard scenes, goes on camping excursions and road trips around the lake, and collects Lake Superior Agates to be used in her jewelry. She also collaborates with her assistant, Nina, to design the jewelry, and has an exclusive line of artisan goods produced from her marker drawings and paintings, along with belt buckles and wallets made by local artists. This line of artisan goods is a touching testament to Beth's love of the lake, and the connection it has to her creative spirit.
Testimonials
"My husband and I have been married a dozen years, and both of us have always thought rings were silly. But you know what? This may be the first ring I've ever owned that truly represents me: outdoorsy, with just the tiniest hint of sparkly femininity. The folks at the shop were super helpful with finding me the correct size, because I've never liked the feel of a ring being too tight around my finger. This one fits me perfectly!" -Kristen G.