CAPE CHARLES, Va. (AP) — Moonrise Jewelry, a Cape Charles-based jewelry studio known for its distinctive coastal-inspired designs, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of locally made wearable art on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Founded in 2002 by designer Meredith Lusk, Moonrise Jewelry traces its roots back even further — to Lusk’s childhood along the Chesapeake Bay. At age eight, she began her first entrepreneurial venture in her father’s drugstore, selling small “sculptures” crafted from seashells she collected near her home.
A self-taught designer, Lusk has grown Moonrise Jewelry from the ground up, steadily refining its aesthetic while keeping production close to home. Every piece is handmade in the company’s studio on the Eastern Shore, a choice that allows the business to maintain strict quality standards, provide hands-on customer service and support the local economy.
Moonrise Jewelry has become known for a bold, exotic style inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. The brand incorporates innovative, eco-conscious materials, including exotic fish leather and real orchid blossoms, to create what it describes as “jewelry with heart.”
That philosophy reflects a broader mission— celebrating natural beauty while making a positive impact through thoughtful design and sustainable practices. As the company marks its 20th year, Moonrise Jewelry continues to blend artistry, environmental awareness and small-town craftsmanship from its home base in Cape Charles.


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