Beyond the sparkling coastline and grand Gilded Age mansions, Newport County’s real treasures are found in its studios and kitchens. Here, artisans and makers transform raw materials such as clay, wood, glass, and metal into objects of beauty and utility, while chefs turn simple ingredients into crafted delights. This isn’t a place where businesses merely operate; it’s a place where craft is revered, stories are built into every piece, and the community celebrates the hands that make it all. From intimate jewelry studios to bustling bakeries and precision woodworking shops, Newport County is a living gallery of dedication, skill, and creativity. Here’s a look at just a few of our favorite makers in Newport County.
Jewelry & Personal Adornments
The jewelers of Newport blend tradition with personal expression, crafting pieces that feel both timeless and intimately connected to place.
J.H. Breakell & Co., Newport, RI: Over 50 years of jewelry-making expertise shine through each piece in Breakell’s Thames and Hampton collection. Founded by Jim Breakell, the studio draws inspiration from the sea and Newport’s nautical heritage, creating wearable pieces of the island’s history.
Three Golden Apples, Newport, RI: Known for blending old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques, this boutique offers custom-designed pieces that feel truly one-of-a-kind. Owner Dan MacDonald brings decades of fine-jewelry experience to every creation, crafting designs that stand the test of time.
Meeka Fine Jewelry, Newport, RI: Monika Krol, a RISD-trained metalsmith, infuses her Franklin Street studio pieces with a delicate balance of artistry and technical skill. From 18K gold rings to hand-selected gemstones, her creations embody both imagination and precision.
Glass & Functional Art
From molten glass to hand-thrown pottery, Newport’s artisans transform raw materials into functional objects that double as art.
Thames Street Glass, Newport, RI: Since 1981, glowing glass has been transformed into luminous vases, ornaments, and vessels here. Founders Matthew and Adrian Buechner combine decades of European training with inventive design, producing glassware that is both unique and enduring.
DC Stoneware & Gallery, Portsmouth, RI: Clay becomes functional art in the hands of Denise Caron Wilkey. Her Portsmouth studio produces hand-thrown mugs, statement platters, and other distinctive pieces that reflect decades of experience and a commitment to quality.
Sincerely, Eileen, Newport, RI: Coastal watercolor prints, stationery, and homewares capture the playful, breezy essence of Newport life, making this boutique a go-to for gifts that feel personal and inspired. Locally owned Lee’s Market even chose Eileen’s design for their Blue Lobster Café logo, a testament to her recognized artistry within the community.
Culinary & Food Artisans
Newport County’s flavor makers transform local ingredients into something extraordinary, reflecting the bounty and creativity of the region.
Newport Sea Salt Co., Newport, RI: Hand-harvested Atlantic salt flakes add a touch of ocean magic to any dish. Founded by Matt and Tami Mullins, the company combines innovative techniques with a deep understanding of local marine environments, producing mineral-rich crystals treasured by chefs and home cooks alike.
Mozz Newport, Newport, RI: Using traditional techniques and inventive flavors, Mozz crafts small-batch cheeses that are creamy, fresh, and impossible to resist. Cheesemaker Anthony Russo ensures that every wheel and log reflects his careful attention to detail, making each bite a taste of Newport County’s artisanal charm.
Le Bec Sucré, Middletown, RI: Croissants, tarts, and pastries here are buttery, flaky, and full of Parisian finesse. Owner and pastry chef Alain Olivier brings decades of culinary training to Middletown, and it’s not uncommon to see a line outside before the doors even open.
Coffee Roasters
The region’s coffee artisans pair small-batch roasting with a sense of community, turning a morning pick-me-up into a crafted experience.
Custom House Coffee, Middletown, RI: For more than 20 years, Bob Mastin has been roasting small batches on-site, filling the café with rich aroma and community energy. Each cup reflects his dedication to craft, quality, and the local coffee culture.
Grafik Coffee Co., Portsmouth, RI: Local art and coffee meet in every cup at this roastery and café. Co-owners Josh and Gabrielle Whalen combine quality beans with creative packaging and a strong sense of community, offering a coffee experience that celebrates Newport County’s artistic spirit.
Furniture & Specialized Craft
Newport’s furniture and design studios transform wood, metal, and reclaimed materials into pieces that are both functional and sculptural.
Jeff Soderbergh Sustainable Furnishings & Fine Art, Portsmouth, RI: Designer‑maker Jeff Soderbergh has spent nearly three decades crafting award‑winning, heirloom‑quality furniture from reclaimed materials. Jeff transforms vintage beams, shipwreck timbers and discarded industrial elements into sculptural tables, cabinets and statement pieces.
Langston (Arts & Furniture Studio), Newport, RI: James Langston, a British-trained shipwright and RISD-educated artist, crafts furniture that blurs the line between functional and sculptural. From bronze inlays to satinwood surfaces, each piece is designed to make a statement while remaining perfectly livable.
R. Scott Woodworking, Newport, RI: Christopher Scott leads a workshop specializing in precision woodworking, custom cabinetry, and marine interiors. Drawing on decades of experience and a deep respect for Newport’s maritime heritage, Scott combines traditional joinery with contemporary design, producing pieces that are as tactilely satisfying as they are visually striking.
At Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate, we celebrate the artisans, makers, and creative spirit that make Newport County so singular. From historic streets to waterfront neighborhoods, every home and every community here reflects a dedication to craft, beauty, and character. Whether you’re drawn to a cozy cottage in Middletown, a classic Newport townhouse, or a waterfront estate, we can help you find a place to call your own, where local flavor, skill, and culture are part of everyday life.
