About
maine melon. is inspired by the coastal lifestyle in Maine and throughout New England where designer Maryellen Rooney has spent her entire life. She has lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine which all are rich in traditions and history especially with the commercial fishing industries and sailing communities. Spending time in Nantucket, Cape Cod, The Lakes Region in New Hampshire and now residing in the coastal town of Falmouth, Maine, Maryellen has always been fascinated by nautical objects and anything with ties to the ocean.
Growing up Maryellen was always creating things. Her parents enrolled her in private art lessons which allowed her to use that creativity and explore if a career in the art community was something she truly was interested in. After graduating college with a Bachelors Degree in Art and Art History, she took a corporate position in Cambridge, Massachusetts alongside Architects and Interior Designers. She moved to Maine to be with her now husband in 2011 which is when she decided to start a jewelry line inspired by the colorful lobster buoys found near their first apartment. After a few years of casually creating pieces, and working for a large corporation during the day, she decided to enlist the help of a manufacturer and left the corporate world she had been in for the past 6 years. It is with great pride and integrity that all of the pieces designed by Maryellen are unique, made with the upmost of quality and reflect the maine melon. classic style.
It was important when looking for a manufacturer of the metal components, that everything was made in the USA using sustainable materials. Most of the components are from right here in New England which is great for the local economy. Having everything made in the USA also comes with a higher price than something sourced overseas. The hope is that everyone who purchases a maine melon. piece realizes the quality and the jobs they are supporting along with the time spent to create these items right here in their community.
Maryellen Rooney resides in Falmouth with her husband and Golden Retriever appropriately named Buoy!