Many little girls dream about weddings – their own, someday, but also just the magical beauty of it all. There's so much sparkle and gleam, the shimmering beauty of jewels and satin and lace. It's a world of princesses and fairy tales, but a world that is real as well.

"When I was a very young girl – five years old – my favorite thing I owned was a bride doll," says College Place jewelry artist Sharon Demaris.

"I loved her beautiful satin and lace dress with all of the sequins and pearls."

The hours of childhood play made a lifelong impact on the adult. To this day, Demaris gravitates...