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Middleburg’s Mystique: A Gem of Fine Jewelry Design
Middleburg’s Mystique: A Gem of Fine Jewelry Design
By Laura Longley
Is it time to buy that special someone a gift, maybe for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or that auspicious—and anxious?—day when you plan to propose?
If you’re thinking jewelry, then it’s also time to step out of the comfort zone of big box chain stores and embrace the artistry of Middleburg’s Mystique. Here, just across from the post office, everything you see in Mystique’s jewelry cases is unique because founder Elizabeth Mandros has made that her business— along with building a trusted reputation and ensuring a warm welcome for all.
Whether you’re looking for something old, like a diamond-encrusted bracelet from a Middleburg estate, or something new, like a freshwater pearl pendant from The Mazza Company, or maybe something blue (or red, turquoise, green or aquamarine to be right on trend for this year’s turn to color), you’ll discover you’re in exactly the right place.
Since the 1990s, Mandros has been offering both longtime locals and first- time visitors to Middleburg the opportunity to buy pieces not only from the world’s most esteemed jewelers but also from her own custom designs, including an equestrian line as well as eco-friendly, sustainable, conflict-free jewelry.
The hands-on work for her designs is completed by an exceptional team of artisans—a master goldsmith, hand-engraver, stone setter and specialists in pearl stringing and watch services—based at her full-service shop at 123 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria.
An Alexandria native, Mandros developed her passion and fascination with diamonds and unusual gemstones early. During college breaks and summers, she began learning about them by working in area shops and wholesale enterprises. She became convinced she’d found her life’s work when she studied in Santa Monica, California at the nonprofit Gemological Institute of America. GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls, as well as the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.
Mandros applies that knowledge in many ways. For a one-of-a- kind piece, just make an appointment with her to begin the design process. Inherited a fabulous collection? Meet with her to consign those items you’re unlikely to wear or share. Have a box of old pieces sitting at the back of a dresser drawer? Visit Liz and let her look through them to see what you might refashion into more contemporary styles.
And if your jewelry is a bit worse for wear? Drop it off at Mystique’s Middleburg shop, and Mandros or sales associate Shaila Millman, will safely send it to Old Town for repair, restoration, or redesign.
If you’re fortunate enough to own valuable jewelry, Mandros stresses the importance of caring for it properly. As she points out on its website, “Metals and gemstones aren’t always as impervious as we imagine. Gold, platinum and silver are fairly soft metals, making them perfectly workable for jewelry creation. However, as a result, the daily wear and tear we put on our jewelry takes more of a toll than we think. Even diamonds can chip if they’re hit at the wrong angle. We are often much harder on our jewelry than we realize.”
Prices at Mystique are comparable to those you’ll find at most fine jewelry stores, with some items under $500, with many in the $1,000 to $10,000 range. It’s also possible to find—or create—a piece that is considerably more costly.
Details: www.mystiquejewelers.com
