Our Story

Welcome to Mystique Jewelers, where a passion for diamonds, rare gemstones and timeless craftsmanship has been at the heart of our journey for over 34 years.

The story of Mystique began with a deep fascination for diamonds and gemstones — natural treasures formed deep within the earth over millions of years. The idea that these extraordinary gems carry such rich histories and profound meaning has always captivated me. Throughout time, diamonds have adorned kings, inspired poets, and been passed down as heirlooms through generations. These stones have stories to tell — and I wanted to share those stories with the world.

After earning my graduate degree in gemology and honing my craft under the guidance of a master goldsmith, my fascination with diamonds evolved into an obsession. In 1991, this passion led to the founding of Mystique Fine Jewelry and Design in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. In 2018, we expanded with a second location in Middleburg, Virginia, capturing the spirit of the countryside.

At Mystique, our mission is simple: to create one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate life’s most significant moments. Whether it’s completing a wardrobe, dazzling at a special event, or adding everyday sparkle, we’re here to help you find or design the perfect piece.

We understand that jewelry is more than just beauty — it’s a symbol of love, gratitude, and memories. That’s why my team and I, including our skilled in-house master goldsmith, are dedicated to crafting custom pieces that bring your dreams to life. We also take great pride in reviving old, vintage, or outdated jewelry, transforming cherished items into something new, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

We are committed to offering sustainable jewelry made with conflict-free diamonds and gemstones, ensuring that our pieces are not only beautiful but ethically sourced. Our curated collection also includes an equestrian-inspired line, capturing the essence of the countryside at our Middleburg location

I invite you to experience the thrill of discovering diamonds and all beautiful things at Mystique. Whether you visit our intimate boutique in Old Town Alexandria or our charming store in Middleburg, VA, you’ll find something truly special that speaks of your unique style and story.

Come explore and discover the treasure that awaits you at Mystique.

Elizabeth Mandros

Melanie has had a life-long passion for love and jewelry. She was hooked at an early age that
was nurtured by her grandmother who saw she had an eye for the picking out unique and quality
jewelry as a young child.

While a student at Marshall University, studying for her BA of Fine Arts Degree. She worked for
T.K. Dodrill, family-owned jeweler in Huntington, WV. Melanie learned all aspects of the
jewelry business here including custom design, jewelry repairs, sales, inventory and customer
service. She also developed an appreciation for establishing a deep personal relationship with her
customers and how that knowledge could allow her to best match a look to their individual style.
After working at Dodrill for over 17 years while raising her three beautiful daughters, she
relocated to Virginia and continued working for another local jewelry store before joining
Mystique Jewelers in 2017.

“I have always worked for a family-owned business and that is incredibly important to me. That
is just one of the reasons I love working at Mystique,” says Melanie. “The family atmosphere is
appreciated by both staff and customers alike.”