BLAWNOX, PA — In a modest standalone building on Freeport Road, the unmistakable hum of a jeweler’s torch and the quiet rhythm of craftsmanship fill the air. This is Harp & Hound, a newly minted shop with an old soul, and its owner, Dan Jacko, is at the heart of its quiet revival.
For 34 years, the storefront was home to the Marlene Harris Collection, a beloved local fixture that specialized in antiques and estate jewelry. When Harris, then 87, finally retired last year, she entrusted the space to someone who not only understood her craft but honored her values.
“I had told her that whenever that day came, I’d love to take over the space and keep it a jewelry store,” Jacko says. “It’s been a jewelry store for decades, even before Marlene.”
That continuity is central to Jacko’s vision. After years of operating out of his home studio, he moved into 238 Freeport Road in November. With a mix of his creations, consigned works by fellow artists, and curated estate jewelry, the shop is both personal and historic. Some of the display cases even came from Harris herself, a subtle nod to the enduring presence of artistry in the neighborhood.
But Harp & Hound isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s a reflection of Jacko’s own journey. A fine arts major and art history minor, his work draws heavily from centuries-old traditions: Celtic patterns, the Arts and Crafts movement, and Art Nouveau flourishes echo throughout his handcrafted rings and pendants.
“These styles really emphasized the artist and the handmade process,” he explains. “There was morality behind some of these movements, making beautiful things accessible to everyday people. That really speaks to me.”
Jacko’s creations, many one-of-a-kind, now fill half the display cases in the shop. The other half holds treasures from other jewelers and estates, a curated celebration of jewelry’s enduring storytelling power. But beyond artistry, what truly sets Jacko apart is his approach: he’s part craftsman, part historian, and part trusted advisor.
Whether he’s resizing a vintage ring, restoring a grandmother’s heirloom, or walking a customer through the durability of engagement ring settings, his focus is clear: longevity over trendiness, quality over flash.
“I don’t want to make something that’s going to break. That’s not good for the customer or for me,” Jacko says. “I’d rather explain the ‘why’ behind my opinion so people can make informed decisions.”
While Jacko still makes time for a few festivals each year, including the Dublin Irish Festival in Ohio, Ligonier Highland Games, and Christmas in the Woods among them, most days, you’ll find him behind the counter or at the bench, torch in hand.
Harp & Hound’s public hours are Thursdays through Saturdays, with private appointments available Mondays and Tuesdays, leaving plenty of time carved out for the kind of meticulous work that can’t be rushed.
The shop, much like the jewelry it offers, is the product of patience, intention, and deeply rooted skill. For Jacko, this isn’t just about building a business, it’s about building something lasting.
“I’ve been in the jewelry world since 2001,” he says. “This storefront might be new, but the work, the relationships, and the philosophy behind it that’s been building for decades.”
So whether you’re walking through Blawnox or searching for something meaningful and made to last, you might just find it in a small shop with a harp on the sign, and a hound in the name where history and craftsmanship are alive and well.