#94 - See a Master Jeweler at Work at the Pelletreau Silver Shop

The 's in Southampton Village is the home of where Messin demonstrates old jewelry-making techniques and offers workshops.

Pelletreau Silver Shop was built in 1668 and stands at its original location on Main Street. Originally a dry goods store, it was purchased in 1717 by whale oil merchant Francis Pelletreau. His grandson, silversmith Elias Pelletreau, used it as a workshop between 1750 and 1810. Elias, a local hero, was a captain in the Suffolk County Militia during the Revolutionary War.

Eric Messin came to America as a young man from his small village in the French Alps, according to his studio's website. He is the son of an artist who traveled the countryside painting landscapes, and had an apprenticeship in the European tradition with Jean Huffenus, a master jeweler in Philadelphia. He went on to work in prestigious jewelry houses in New York, including Van Cleef and Arpels. Now his business is located in the village of Southampton, where he designs and handcrafts platinum and 18-karat gold jewelry.

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Messin's next workshop, offered through the historical museum, takes place over eight Saturdays, beginning May 7. The cost of the course, including materials, is $360, or $340 for museum members. Students will learn the basics of jewelry making, from sculpting wax and soldering to setting stones and polishing, according to the museum. Messin will guide students step-by-step to create a piece of jewelry that will be finished and ready to be worn. Visit southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org or call 631-283-2494 for more information.

Stay tuned for #93 in two weeks. And if you missed #95.