For over 40 years, Lee and Pam Marraccini have called Charlottesville home, building both their lives and a jewelry business here. As the heart and soul behind Angelo Jewelry, their journey is all about creativity, passion, and forging meaningful connections within the community.
Before making Charlottesville their permanent home, the Marraccinis lived in Paw Paw, West Virginia, after spending time in Washington, D.C. Their move was fueled by a desire to simplify life while raising their two children.
“We were looking for better schools for our children and knew about Charlottesville because we came here to do craft shows and had friends who were craftspeople,” Pam shared. “A small town rather than a suburb of a city made life easier with two children and driving them places. Previously, Lee was traveling to shows a lot, so me being home with them alone made it easier. We like it here -- it’s a beautiful place.”
Lee agreed, noting, “We were living rurally for 11 years... the longevity here has been great. The great thing about Charlottesville is the community. It’s a diverse community. We’ve developed good friendships and love being a part of it."
Lee was initially a math teacher but his interest in jewelry design began with an adult education class he took in Washington D.C. while Pam explored pottery. What started as a pastime so that he could accompany Pam to her class to ensure she made it safely became a lifelong career, fueled primarily by his acquired love of design but also by necessity. “Being broke is motivating,” Lee joked.
His design process is guided by the stones he works with. “Pretty much what it is, is I design around stones; there’s a heavy influence on what the stone is, what stone might go with it. I follow the direction that the path takes me. I sometimes have no idea where it’s going,” he said. “The styles are really, really clean and contemporary and influenced by previous work. A lot of times it gets better; it just happens.”
Pam added, “The materials and his sense of geometry are pretty strong. He has a strong instinctive ability.” She also had high praise for Lee on a personal level saying, "He has an amazing sense of humor and an amazing personality that is very magnetic. He puts people at ease all the time over and over again -- he also helps me laugh at myself!”
In 1996, Angelo Jewelry opened in the Michie Building. By 2000, they moved to their current location on the Downtown Mall. Their son Marco, a UVA architecture graduate, designed the space, which became operational just in time for the holiday season that year.
The Marraccinis have seen Charlottesville evolve over the decades. “There was nothing happening on the Downtown Mall,” Pam remembered. “It changed when they put the ice skating rink in and the Violet Crown.”
Lee noted he was also surprised by how small and quiet it was at the time. “I thought it was like a city, and then I was like, oh, this is it. The Omni was just getting built. That end of the mall was dead, and the end where we are [now] was busier.”
Beyond their business, the Marraccinis are active in the local community. They frequently donate pieces for charitable auctions -- about 30 each year. One of their standout contributions was to the Fashion as Art event at UVA’s Fralin Museum of Art.
Pam emphasized the importance of their community involvement: “We’re very active in the community outside of the store; it’s really nice that we’re built into the community that way. We really care about the community.”
Collaboration plays a key role in Lee’s work. His long-time assistant, Martha Carol Greene, has been part of the process for 30 years. “She loves making my designs, and little does she know she’s helping me. I owe a lot of my jewelry that’s accomplished to her,” Lee said.
The Marraccinis also support local artists, showcasing their work in the store and participating in First Fridays events throughout the year. Pam, who has had her own creative success as a skilled and talented photographer, has been an essential part of Angelo Jewelry, documenting the intricate details of each piece through her work.
As the business continues to thrive, the Marraccinis remain committed to their craft and their customers. “I have a really nice following, very loyal customers,” Lee said. “They say: Anything from Angelo, my wife will be happy with!”
Lee is passionate about continuing his work. “We don’t know the future… but I don’t want to stop designing or give up my studio. You can’t have jewelry as a hobby unless you sell what you make,” he laughed.
For Lee and Pam, Charlottesville is more than just a place to live -- it’s a thriving community that inspires and supports their work. Through their dedication and creativity, they’ve contributed to the area’s vibrant culture, embodying the spirit of “Love Local.”
The great thing about Charlottesville is the community. It’s a diverse community. We’ve developed good friendships and love being a part of it.
We’re very active in the community outside of the store; it’s really nice that we’re built into the community that way.