SHADY AVE Magazine, Spring 2006

An Argentinean pediatrician has made a complete career change and opened a custom jewelry design studio in the South Aiken Mall in Shadyside. Graciana Fennell’s new business, Gardell Designs, is named after Argentinean tango singer Carlos Gardell, who performed in the 1920’s.

Jewelry design was always a hobby for Fennell. She is a self-taught designer, who also trained as a physician in Milan, Argentina and the United States. She found gems for her collection while visiting her two sisters in New York and Tucson.

Gardell Designs features custom-made necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Fennell employs gems and semiprecious stones in her designs. She also enjoys doing commissioned designs. Pieces range from $200 - $1,800.

The studio space was formerly occupied by MUSE. Fennell designed the new interior herself. She, her husband and her four children, live in Shadyside.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 to 5; and Wednesday, 11 to 7.