Looking for jewelry that tells a story? In a world of mass production, handcrafted jewelry stands out for its beauty, meaning, and craftsmanship. In this post, we explore Rhode Island’s rich jewelry-making heritage and how John Medeiros continues to keep the tradition alive — creating timeless, artisan-made pieces right here in the USA.
The Legacy of Handcrafted Jewelry in Rhode Island
When it comes to handcrafted jewelry, few places in the world carry as much legacy and tradition as Rhode Island. For over a century, this coastal state was considered the jewelry capital of the United States. Home to generations of skilled artisans, Rhode Island earned a reputation for producing some of the world’s most finely crafted jewelry — long before mass production and outsourcing became the norm.
Today, the John Medeiros Jewelry Collection carries that tradition forward — preserving the art of handcrafting jewelry in America while combining it with modern design and innovation. Every piece is handmade, inspected for quality, and designed to be worn and cherished for years to come.
In today’s world of fast fashion and automated assembly, the word “handcrafted” has become a marketing buzzword. But at John Medeiros, it means something more. It means:
Every detail — from carving to polishing — is done by hand in Rhode Island
Our jewelry is built for durability, not disposability
Every piece is cast, assembled, and finished in-house — never outsourced
Quality is personal: each necklace, bracelet, or earring is inspected before it ships
This is what sets handcrafted jewelry apart from the rest — and it’s a difference you can feel.
Founded over 40 years ago, John Medeiros began as a mold maker and design apprentice. His vision was clear: to create fine, high-quality jewelry that’s both beautiful and accessible. He brought together old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques to create pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Each piece in the collection is made with tarnish-resistant metals, finished in 14k gold or rhodium, and engineered for comfort and strength. Meet our most popular designs.
Customers today are looking for more than something shiny. They’re looking for meaning, value, and quality they can trust. That’s why handcrafted jewelry is more relevant than ever.
Each handcrafted piece tells a story. It’s chosen with intention. It becomes a part of the wearer’s life — gifted, worn, remembered.
And because it’s made to last, handcrafted jewelry becomes more than an accessory. It becomes a keepsake.
Explore our signature collections to find the piece that speaks to you:
Infinity Love Knot Collection: Timeless designs that symbolize eternal love.
Diamante Paperclip Collection: Modern silhouettes featuring teardrop pearls and bold gold links.
Opalas do Mar & Black Onyx Collection: Deep ocean tones and coastal charm, inspired by the Azores.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone special, these handcrafted collections offer lasting elegance and personal meaning.
All of our jewelry is handcrafted in our Rhode Island workshop by skilled artisans — not machines.
We offer:
Fast, secure shipping
Friendly customer support
Easy online checkout with a satisfaction guarantee
At John Medeiros, we don’t just sell jewelry — we preserve a legacy.
Explore our handcrafted collections now and experience the beauty, durability, and story behind every piece.