Visit the Moonrise Jewelry Showroom & Studio on Virginia's Eastern Shore and see why Meryl Streep and SPANX® Founder Sara Blakely love this locals’ favorite! Signature designs feature Real Orchid Blossoms, “Reel” Fish Leather, and Coastal-Inspired Artistry handcrafted in Cape Charles. Moonrise Jewelry is also available online and from select retailers in the US and abroad (wholesale inquiries welcome). At the age of eight, Moonrise Jewelry Founder and Designer Meredith Restein began her journey as an entrepreneur in her father's drugstore, selling “sculptures” made from seashells she collected near her home on Virginia's Eastern Shore. After studying in Chile and receiving her B.A. in Spanish and Anthropology from Tulane University, Meredith returned to her seaside roots where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, her family's homeland since the 1600's. Inspired by a full moon rising over the coastal wilderness of Virginia’s Barrier Islands, Meredith envisioned a way to turn her jewelry-making hobby into a stylish and sustainable enterprise that would bring new opportunities to women in her rural community and beyond. A self-taught designer, Meredith grew her company from the ground up– continually refining her style and aspiring to make a positive impact through her business, which is located in one of the poorest counties in Virginia. Since Moonrise Jewelry's inception in 2002, she has trained dozens of local women to handcraft her original designs, including domestic violence shelter residents, public assistance recipients, students, artists and friends. Meredith has worked with suppliers worldwide to source innovative and eco-friendly components for her designs, including Real Orchid Blossoms preserved in resin and "Reel" Fish Leather made from salmon, perch and carp skins discarded by the canning industry. Moonrise Jewelry’s signature style has evolved into a colorful brand of wearable art inspired by Meredith’s love of the world's most beautiful coasts, including the one she calls home. In 2005 Meryl Streep named Moonrise Jewelry a “Top Product Pick” in her Green Guide and Meredith’s jewelry designs were later featured in Lucky magazine, NBC’s Today Show and other national media. Spanx ® Founder Sara Blakely, (the youngest self-made woman on Forbes billionaires list and one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world), recently awarded Meredith a Leg Up™ endorsement as part of her mission to empower women entrepreneurs. “I’m proud to support Meredith who has managed to successfully fuse fun, exotic design with an admirable social enterprise,” said Blakely. “I love feminine, funky statement jewelry and plan to pair the Real Orchid Necklace and the Fish Leather Cuff all summer long!” If you're in the Cape Charles area, please come visit our Showroom & Studio and see where the magic happens! Meet the designer and watch as our talented artists bring your jewelry dreams to life. Since each of our high-quality designs is handcrafted right here, we’re happy to customize our styles to suit your needs or custom design a new piece just for you!
