Vibe: Modernist Metal Haven | Multi-Generational | Creative & Communal

Macchiarini Creative Design is the oldest continuous design house and production studio for modernist metal arts in the United States, a true North Beach “San Francisco Legend.” Founded in 1948 by Peter Macchiarini—a pioneer of avant-garde jewelry and a founding father of the North Beach Festival—the studio is now run by the second and third generations of the family, Daniel Macchiarini and Emma Macchiarini. More than just a shop, it is a living workshop where the sparks of casting and the rhythmic sounds of metalsmithing are part of the daily ambiance.

• First Friday Cultural Anchor: A vital stop on the North Beach First Friday circuit, the studio transforms into a literary and musical hub. It is home to the long-running Jessica Loos Poetry Series, which often features readings that spill out onto Grant Avenue, honoring local legends like Jack Micheline and the neighborhood’s bohemian past.

• Modernist Jewelry & Sculpture: The gallery showcases “wearable sculpture,” blending mid-century cubist and African influences with contemporary innovation. Every piece, from signature “dot” rings to intricate masks and wedding bands, is handcrafted on-site using recycled metals and ethically sourced materials.

• Metalworks SF Jewelry School: The studio houses an active school founded by Emma Macchiarini, where the public can learn traditional techniques. Their Couples Wedding Ring Workshop is a city favorite, allowing pairs to design and cast their own bands under professional guidance.

• A Living Legacy: The family’s influence extends far beyond jewelry; they have been instrumental in North Beach’s street fairs for over 70 years. Inside the studio, you might even see the original bronze “Emperor Norton” statue that once watched over the Comstock Saloon.

The History of a North Beach Institution

The story of Macchiarini is a story of North Beach itself. Peter Macchiarini was a political activist and stone carver who worked on WPA projects in the 1930s before establishing his studio. He mentored hundreds of artists and was famously granted “official legend” status by the city shortly before his passing in 2001. Today, Daniel and Emma carry on the “neo-modernist” tradition—a philosophy of interaction where customers are invited to participate in the artistic process, often watching their own custom pieces being born in the furnace at the back of the shop.