Marcia Fossey is a Professional Home Economist with a B.Sc. in Home Economics (Clothing and Textiles) from the University of Alberta. Marcia owns and operates Ponderosa Jewellery, a home-based business she started in 1992 while living in Whitehorse, Yukon. She has been a vendor at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market since 1997.

Historic Bead Jewellery

As explorers came to North America, one of the items brought for gifts were glass beads. Using glass beads to win “Indian” friendship was a custom the Europeans used to control the North American fur trade. Early explorers soon established a system of trading beads for fur pelts. The beads were widely sought after by the “Indians” for their colours and ease of use. Most of the historical beads used in the jewellery are between 100 to 200 years old.

Ancient Artifact Jewelery

These one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery have been designed using Roman glass, ancient artifacts and bronze coins.  Most are from the Roman Empire and are over 2000 years old. The coin necklaces come with a certification card giving a description of the empire it is from. A special characteristic of ancient glass is its "patina" which is a result of the glass being exposed to sun, water and earth. All of these pieces of jewellery hold a historical and collectible value.

Notable Jewellery

These pieces of jewellery are inspired by creativity and imagination. Art glass, semi-precious stones and sterling silver are some of the materials used in the jewellery.  Marcia travels the world to source unique and beautiful art pieces to use in her jewellery. Many of the beads and other materials used have come from items that are no longer worn. Marcia’s jewellery is enjoyed by people who love history and wearing distinctive "one of a kind" necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.