May all your Holiday wishes come TRUE! As Mystique prepares for the holiday rush we have organized four designer trunk shows with wonderful selections for you.
So Men start your engines and have your love one come into Mystique to make that special wish list.
Mystique’s Elizabeth Mandros Celebrates 20 Years in Business in Alexandria
(Alexandria, VA) “I loved to collect rocks when I was a little girl,” recalls Elizabeth Mandros, owner of Mystique Jewelers of Old Town Alexandria. “And I still do!” Elizabeth is in the business – and has been for the last 20 years – of collecting rocks or rather finding and turning beautiful gemstones into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces as well as bringing the collections of up-and-coming jewelry designers to her waterfront boutique. During this year’s celebration, Elizabeth reflects back on her 20 years in business
“To me, Mystique is not just a business,” offers Elizabeth. “It is a community. It is my family.” That extended family includes jewelry designers Ivan Naranjo with whom she has worked side by side for 14 years (and whose brother was Elizabeth’s mentor) and Alberto Parada, Mo in the parking lot, Charlotte across the way, and, of course, her longtime loyal customers. “It has been fun and an honor to have been a part of my clients’ many cherished moments. They’ve purchased their engagement rings and wedding bands here. Even proposed in the store! And then I’ve watched as they’ve raised families and marked life’s celebrations — graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and then the next generation’s weddings — with jewelry from Mystique.” Throughout this past year, Mystique customers have shared their memories – both in word and in picture — with Elizabeth in person and on Facebook.
Elizabeth grew up in Belle Haven, just down the road from where Mystique is located and where her parents still reside. When it came time to locate her new business in 1991, Old Town Alexandria was the only place she considered and has stayed put ever since. The store’s design reflects Elizabeth’s own warm personality and her approach to business. “It’s like a living room,” explains Elizabeth. “It makes people feel comfortable and welcome.” Elizabeth’s mother Anne Kincheloe Mandros adds her whimsical touch with rotating themes and her own unique shell designs (which are available for purchase).
Elizabeth has seen jewelry styles come and go and advises her clients to purchase what you love instead of the latest trends. “You’ll love it and wear it forever,” she adds. For that reason, Elizabeth chooses (and designs) well-crafted pieces to fit a more casual lifestyle. “Not fancy, but beautiful, classic pieces that you can wear with jeans or dressed up equally well.” In addition to their own custom designs, Mystique carries the collections of jewelry designers Lauren K, Alberto Parada, Katie Decker, Lika Behar and Jude Frances. Elizabeth also specializes in turning people’s old jewelry into something new. It may be as simple as making a pearl necklace more wearable, perhaps with a new clasp. Or creating an entirely new piece from unworn gold jewelry. Elizabeth’s sense of styling and creativity bring her customers back again and again. Like any business, Mystique has had its share of ups and downs in its 20 years. There was the fire that delayed its opening. There has been the ongoing economic downturn. Through it all, Mystique has succeeded because of its attention to the basic building blocks: quality product and excellent customer service.
About Mystique Jewelers
Mystique is celebrating its 20th year of making memories. Elizabeth Mandros opened Mystique in 1991 with the idea of bringing unique and sophisticated fine jewelry to Old Town, Alexandria, not found elsewhere. Elizabeth has traveled the world to hand select pieces for her boutique, including such highly coveted designer lines of Jude Frances, Lauren K, Erica Courtney, Alberto Parada and Beverly K. In addition to its fine designer jewelry, Mystique’s on-premise master goldsmith and jewelry designers can create a one-of-a-kind custom design which is heirloom quality, timeless and classic in design. Mystique was named Best of Old World Style by The Washingtonian. www.mystiquejewelers.com.
Picture (above): Elizabeth between her parents, at Mystique.
I love this time of day when I can actually sit down and reflect on all my wonderful customers and friends that come to see me at my store. Today was especially great because Erica Courtney came into town for our trunk show (starting tomorrow and continuing through Saturday) and together we looked over all of her beautiful jewelry. Being her first time in Alexandria, she got a bit turned around getting to the store and ended up closer to TC Williams. It turns out she is staying at Hotel Lorien, only 10 blocks away from Mystique. An hour later, Erica shows up in her running clothes. She has now hiked the distance between her hotel and store back and forth almost 10 miles. No wonder she is in such great shape.
Let’s talk about the jewelry – it is in fact Drop Dead Gorgeous. Erica showed me how her earrings have three tiers to them; starting with a diamond hoop, then a charm for fun, and finally the third for the DROP DEAD GORGEOUS look. With every piece, you think it’s pretty and then you look at the piece’s details and your mouth drops open. DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. I love it!!!
And check out this beautiful Tourmaline with diamonds ring that I’m sporting in an interview with WUSA9 TV for the upcoming trunk show. It costs about $100K. I love it!!!
Erica Courtney, Jewelry Designer to Hollywood Stars, Makes Her Appearance at Old Town Alexandria’s Mystique Jewelers.
(Alexandria, VA)
Creative by nature, this unintentional designer Erica Courtney started embellishing sunglasses and watches with crystals for fun in 1984 and was soon swamped by requests to buy her jewelry. A new love re-located her to Los Angeles and inspired a jewelry collection marked by love notes and iconic shapes. Her jewelry soon became a red carpet must-have, adorning the likes of Julia Roberts, Paris Hilton, Angela Bassett, Jane Lynch and Kate Beckinsdale, and featured in numerous magazines.
Erica Courtney continues to stay committed to environmentally friendly processes and materials while producing Drop Dead Gorgeous® jewelry. By using recycled gold and platinum medals and gem stones that are ethically mined, Erica is able to create glamorous jewelry in the most “green” way possible.
Erica Courtney is now in the process of designing her new Drop Dead Gorgeous® Zultanite collection. Zultanite, a 100% natural gem with no treatment enhancements, has only one deposit which is located in the Anatolia Mountains in Turkey, where Ms. Courtney is presently visiting and learning more the gem. Zultanite has a positive impact on the lives of its miners and the surrounding community and its mining has minimal impact on the surface, meaning fewer trees are felled, and the few trees that need to be felled are cut by the forestry department. For this, Zultanite pays fees that results in 10 trees being planted for every tree felled. In addition, Zultanite workers are paid above the average salary for miners in their region and are all fully insured, which is rare in Turkish mines. They are also all housed and fed onsite and wherever possible. To foster goodwill, the mine donates bricks to a local community center that provides free housing to the poor, donates food twice a year to more than 100 homes in villages surrounding the mine and routinely provides local village schools with supplies.
Erica will be appearing at Mystique on both Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 at 10:30AM to meet fans and talk about her jewelry, at Mystique’s trunk show of her Drop Dead Gorgeous® collection.
– The highly sought-after jewelry designer to movie and TV stars, rock stars and top Hollywood stylists Erica Courtney is coming to Mystique Jewelers in Old Town Alexandria to unveil her Drop Dead Gorgeous® collection on Friday, November 12th and Saturday, November 13th. This new collection is vibrant with color — purples, blues, reds, greens and gold’s, a signature of Erica’s large-gemmed rings. The collection’s earrings and necklaces dazzle with platinum and diamonds, the use of which Erica is best known.
Mystique Jewelers hosts Designer jewelry trunk show featuring designer Lauren K at Mystique Jewelers in Old Town Alexandria
(Alexandria, VA) - A perfect time to make Holiday wish lists, Elizabeth Mandros, Owner of Mystique will feature designer Lauren K new fall fashion trunk show. Lauren’s designs feature antique cushion – cut rings, big stone pendants to chandelier earrings and hand-hammered gold. The bohemian chic designs feature a rainbow of color with rose cut sapphires, multi- colored agates, moonstone and raw polished diamonds.
Black Diamond Raw Collection
Exclusively at Mystique come see the New Lauren K Collection
Bring your friends and enjoy wines from Boxwood Winery from Middleburg Va . Saturday October , 23 10:30 – 6:00pm
Mystique has been on the cutting edge of designer jewelry since its inception in 1991, when she opened MYSTIQUE, bringing unique fine jewelry to Old Town, Alexandria. She has traveled around the world to hand select unique pieces for her store, creating a collection that is different from any other jewelry store you’ve seen. For MYSTIQUE, Elizabeth also selects from the collections of the most coveted top designer lines such as: Jude Frances, Lauren K, Erica Courtney, Lesilie Greeene ,Alberto Parada and Beverly K. In addition to its sophisticated fine designer jewelry, MYSTIQUE’s Master Goldsmith and jewelry designers on premises can create a one-of-a-kind custom design which is heirloom quality, timeless and classic in design. Visit Mystique’s beautiful boutique overlooking the waterfront in Old town and discover a hidden jewel.
Mystique is featured in ” Washingtonian magazine “ as the Best Jeweler for designs and collections of Old World Jewelry.
Have you had your jewelry cleaned or checked for stones that may need tightening? Mystique offers many custom services for you . Cleaning and checking of your stones , trade in of gold and gemstones , Customer Consignment , Expert jewelry Repairs , appraisals and custom design.
Your Mystique jewelry experts will clean and check your stones in your rings while you browse our beautiful Collections and make your wish lists for the Holidays!
There is a Gem of a small boutique jewelry store overlooking the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria called Mystique. The name alone conjures up amazing dreams of romance, mystery and far away places that you’ll find in diamonds, gems and jewelry from top designers and custom made jewelry.
All this magic in the midst of a romantic setting that will make any guy get down on his knees and propose.
Mystique is now taking you to a new allurement – SHELLS!! You don’t have to own a beach house to succumb to the natural beauty of shells. Mystique now offers a spectacular shell collection of shell encrusted mirrors, furniture and statues. If you’re looking for that perfect accessory no one else has and your designer cant find , take a short drive to Alexandria and see how the natural beauty of the SHELL can transform your home.
( and add a little bauble for yourself can add to Your Mystique)
Pearl & Shell Show at MYSTIQUE- August 21st 2010
Pearls and shells as you’ve never seen before! Luxurious Pearls ; Keshi , South Sea ,Akoya and Freshwater in strands and delicately designed beautiful jewelry . Shells in natural colors; aqua blue , orange , brown and creams from around the world set in mirrors , furniture and statues.
Oh…. ” Soraya “ which is the name of the new Alberto Parada ring meaning infinitely intimate and Precious ,crafted and excuted with the Love and Care of an artisian :which speaks very clearly about Alberto Parada himself. The Soraya is a 18-Karat rose gold band style ring set with a multi faceted cushion shape Chalcedony . National Jeweler magazine has again commented on Parada’s new Jewel and featured the “Soraya” in the newest addition of National Jeweler industry news.
Alberto Parada designs will be featured this Saturday July 17th at Mystique Jewelers in Old Town Alexandria.
A prestigious honor by the JCK Design Center based on our lasting excellence at selling designer jewelry.
This weekend in Las Vegas, Mystique Jewelers was presented this beautiful award. Mystique Jewelers is a hidden Jewel, located on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. High ceilings and living room ambiance displays the unusual fine jewelry so elegantly and comfortable.
Mystique is excited to announce that we will be selling HIDALGO jewelry in the next month. The new styles just fit our look – Micro pave diamonds in all colors (Black, Yellow, and Pink) and new enamel styles that are timeless. We will be featuring New Designers such as: Lika Behar, ( worn by celebrity Carrie Bradshaw ), The Hot new trend of gemstone rope diamond bracelets , Zasha Sterling Silver enamel jewelry , Jude Frances (worn by celebrity Opra Winfrey and Paris Hilton) Beverley K diamond stackable collections and Mazza Matte gold enhancers and necklaces…..
Come Visit Mystique located on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria – Complimentary parking in front of the store..Member of the Old town Boutique District , Shop Local Old Town Alexandria
Spend a day in the Beatutiful countryside of Middleburg ,Virginia
Enjoy the Middleburg Stable tour,
taste fine wine at Boxwood winery ,
visit the model room of The Salamander Inn Resort
located at the Salamander Touch store
featuring Sunday
Mystique Jewelers Trunk Show & Sale.
Only
Saturday and Sunday Memorial Day Weekend The Hunt Country Stable Tour
May 29 & 30, 2010
Stables Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Training Track Open 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.Sat. Only
Situated in the midst of picturesque Loudoun County e
Box Wood Winery
Middleburg’s Boxwood Winery is both right at home and far from the ordinary. The winery is the realization of a dream for owners Rita and John Kent Cooke, the former Washington Redskins owner and president, who bought the estate in 2001. The Cookes commissioned renowned architect Hugh Jacobsen to design a winery with modern, clean lines, but one that agrees with its surroundings.
The result is a four-part complex that is stunning in its simplicity on the outside while filled with high-quality, high-tech streamlined inner workings. Boxwood is dedicated to making wines in the Bordeaux tradition, and as such the hillsides around the winery are densely dotted with vines of Bordeaux varietals, all certified by the French government.
Located in Middleburg, VA, Salamander Touch features goods and fine gifts essential to living the luxury resort lifestyle. Owned and managed by Salamander Hospitality, the offerings include custom fine Italian linens inspired by Sheila C. Johnson, decorative pillows designed by Thomas Pheasant, fine leather goods, Mistral scented bath, body and home products, Lepine fine writing instruments crafted in France and precious gemstones and logoed resort wear. http://www.salamanderresort.com/salamander_story/salamander_touch/
Sunday May 30th Salamander will feature
MYSTIQUE JEWELERS
Trunk Show & Sale
1:00-5:00pm
Visit my home town of Upperville, Virginia and enjoy The Middleburg Barn Tour, wine tasting at the Boxwood with my friend Sean Martin , shop Sheila Johnson’s wonderful store and check out her new model room for her resort coming in 2011. AND Of course love my jewels. ! emandros@mystiquejewelers.com.
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(Alexandria, VA) “I loved to collect rocks when I was a little girl,” recalls Elizabeth Mandros, owner of Mystique Jewelers of Old Town Alexandria. “And I still do!” Elizabeth is in the business – and has been for the last 20 years – of collecting rocks or rather finding and turning beautiful gemstones into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces as well as bringing the collections of up-and-coming jewelry designers to her waterfront boutique. During this year’s celebration, Elizabeth reflects back on her 20 years in business
