At one point in her life, Sue Beck helped people keep smiling while working in the dental field, crafting bridges and crowns. Now she uses her skills, and dental tools, to coax smiles in a totally different way.

The Long Island, N.Y. native, who was also a towboat captain in her previous life, relocated to Beaufort County and after dabbling with making jewelry discovered a new career.

“I started making gifts for friends,” Beck said of what turned out to be the beginning of a successful run as a jewelry artist. “I did a show at the Blind Center and I was at Riverwalk Gallery for several years. Then I joined Inner Banks Artisans Center in November 2009.”

The latter closed recently, and Beck decided to join forces with several other IBAC artists who banded together to open Lemonade Art Gallery.

“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Beck said with a smile, referring to the disappointment that came with the closing of IBAC. But that closing brought a new opportunity, she pointed out.

Using the dental tools from her previous career, Beck designs and crafts intricate wire wrapped rings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces using precious metals, beads and stones. She even fashions what she calls “hat jewelry.”

“I make like a tiara that goes on a hat,” she explained.

Beck also works in precious metal clay.

“It begins as clay, which you mold and shape,” she said. “You put it in the kiln and it comes out pure silver!”

Another unique aspect to Beck’s art is a line of “cradle to career” bracelets.

“You begin with a tiny baby bracelet, then you trade it in as you grow,” she said. “You get a credit for a bigger bracelet … they go all the way to adulthood.”

Beck will share her talents with other aspiring jewelry artists in early May. She is planning a class during which the participants will make a sculpted pendant.

“It’s just a three hour class and they leave with their pendant,” she said. “I’m offering sliver or gold and various color beads.”

Beck’s jewelry is available exclusively at Lemonade Art Gallery, which is located at 201 West Main Street in downtown Washington. She is also in the process of developing a website to sell her work. For more information, visit sueseajewelry.com or call 252-414-1423.