Mejia Jewelry

Elise Thompson is the artist, designer, and maker behind Mejia Jewelry, a Long Island-based fine jewelry studio creating handcrafted jewels with a playful and refined aesthetic designed to bring joy.

Growing up in the gemstone trade, Elise developed an early fascination with beautiful objects, natural treasures, and the stories they carry. Her childhood was spent collecting shells along the Atlantic shoreline, admiring the handiwork of her grandmother and great-aunt, and learning that the things made by hand often become the things we cherish most.

Today, that sense of wonder continues to shape her work. Inspired by the textures of the ocean, sea creatures, flora, and found objects from nature, Elise transforms precious metals, diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones into future heirlooms meant to be worn, loved, and passed down. Each piece invites a tactile connection between jewelry and wearer, celebrating both beauty and touch.

The name Mejia (pronounced May-ah) carries a special meaning: "wear it in good health." Traditionally offered as a blessing when receiving something new, it reflects Elise's belief that jewelry should do more than adorn; it should mark milestones, spark memories, and bring happiness to everyday life.

Every Mejia piece begins at the jeweler's bench. Using the ancient lost-wax process, Elise hand-carves each design from blocks, sheets, and wires of wax before it is cast into precious metal. She has spent more than two decades studying wax carving in New York City, continually refining her craft and exploring new techniques. Her passion for learning, combined with a deep appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship, allows her to create jewelry that feels both timeless and distinctly personal.