Gem Lounge Jewelry is a local brand with a rich history.
Founded in 2009 under the name Designs by Missi, our company and our founder, Melissa Evans, underwent several major events over the years.
Here is our story...
In 2008, Melissa took two beginner local jewelry making classes and was hooked!
Her love for handmade, sustainable jewelry was born during those classes, and she continued to elevate her craft every single day since!
The result? Hundreds of unique, handcrafted pieces available in our store!
It wasn't long after that Designs by Missi was born. Established in June 2009, the company was about to become a huge success!
So much so, that in March of 2012 Melissa actually quit her corporate full time job to pursue and expand her jewelry business.
With full-time dedication and hope, Melissa grew her store day by day, managing to attain our first wholesale partnership in 2015.
In 2017, Melissa decided to rename the company to the now iconic name Gem Lounge Jewelry.
Perhaps it is a lucky name, because just a few months later we got our first feature in a national publication, Gift Shop Magazine!
Gem Lounge Jewelry started receiving recognition left and right after that!
Just in 2018 alone we got featured on WMTW Channel 8, in their Made in Maine segment and in the Portland Press Herald. Then we were awarded the Best Display award at the Saco Sidewalk Arts Festival.
Last, but not least, that year we also received the Best New Product award at the New England Made Product Tradeshow!
Although when we originally started out, our home was a cute lil' boutique called Decades found in downtown Portland, in 2019 we opened our retail shop, Gem Lounge Jewelry & Artisan Boutique in Raymond, Maine.
Even with our strong online presence, we love being in that shop because we love meeting all of you and helping you find that something special!
And that's the story that got us here today.
In June 2022 we celebrated 13 years being in the business, and loving every single moment of it!
Our jewelry and products can now be found in over 75 retail locations throughout the United States and Canada.
A STORY WORTH TELLING
We recently celebrated 13 years in the business.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
We only use vegan, sustainably sourced gems and materials.
LOCAL BUSINESS
By choosing us you are supporting your community