About Us
ABOUT MA•MO
Maurice and Morgan started Ma Mo in 1996 on the Island of Oahu. The name Ma Mo is an abbreviation of both of our names and a native species of bird to the Hawaiian Islands. The Mamo bird was honored by royalty for their feathers to make leis, capes, and headdresses for the royals and high-ranking officials.
Maurice being a second-generation jeweler, started working with people his family has known for decades and generations. He is trained in all aspects of fine jewelry manufacture and diamond grading.
Morgan is a qualified designer. Holding degrees in design and fine art. A skilled wax carver and G.I.A. certified in colored gemstones. She illustrates, designs, hand sculpts, and carves wax models.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Ma Mo approaches jewelry from a modernist standpoint. We see each jewelry piece as a sculpture and work of art. From texture, to form, to light; all play an essential part of the design and sculpting of each piece of jewelry. We are inspired by architecture, clean lines, nature, antiquities, and fine arts of both our ethnic backgrounds. Hand-drawn, hand-carved, hand-cast, and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Gemstones and Metal:
We utilize the highest quality materials by working with industry experts, some of whom we’ve been affiliated with for 50+ years. We personally source gemstones from around the world and within America from industry professionals whom adhere to ethical trade standards, conflict free, and Kimberly process guidelines. All Fine gemstones, Diamonds, and pearls, are all ethically obtained.
Our metals are 100% recycled and from a U.S. refinery. We work in Silver, Gold, Palladium, and Platinum.
RINGS
Necklaces
Bracelets
EARRINGS
It’s In Our Blood
Our story begins with Maurice’s Uncle, Daniel K. Louis, a premier Jeweler/Designer in Seattle, Washington. Daniel started his career in jewelry at a local manufacturer in the early ’60s. Learning all facets of the industry, he quickly moved up as a designer and model maker. When it came time to go out on his own, he opened his first retail store at 522 Union Street in 1969.
He designed and displayed all his own work as if it was a piece of art, much like a gallery would display a painting. His boutique was frequented by the Nordstrom family, and they would soon ask Daniel to open a jewelry store within their department store – at the time, a new concept. He accepted and opened Daniel Louis Jewelry Art at Nordstrom in Seattle, which quickly expanded to Bellevue, where he ran both stores for almost 20 years.
EARLY MEMORIES
Maurice’s first memories of “Uncle” Daniel were while visiting his store with his beloved Grandfather and filling his pockets with his signature candy, Almond Royale from See’s candies, which were held in a brandy glass on top of the jewelry counter.
The jewelry and design concept was not immediate for Maurice, but the memories, wonderment, and curiosity of the jewelry store and Daniel’s workshop remained. The displays of wooden trains with diamonds in the wheels and polished, sculpted stone and hardwoods Daniel sculpted himself to display jewelry on.
Daniel Louis came full circle after closing both Nordstrom locations when he opened a free-standing store very close to his original location.
LEARNING THE TRADE
It was not until later when Maurice and Morgan were already living in Hawaii, they were given a tray of pearls of all shapes and sizes by Daniel. He said, “I think pearls will do well in Hawaii. See what you can do with them.” Morgan learned pearl stringing from her Grandfather and taught Maurice. He was right; they were well received.
Maurice and Morgan began selling at Hula shows throughout the Islands as well as art festivals in Waikiki. The small success only led to wanting to learn more about jewelry and to grow. While at a gem show where they would meet Daniel annually, Daniel mentioned the idea of retiring. This was when Maurice and Morgan decided to move to Seattle to work under Daniel’s tutelage before his retirement. Learning all that they could from manufacture to daily business operations. He liked to give Morgan challenging design tasks to carve in wax, trying to further her skills. Daniel passed his ideals and beliefs on to the next generation, which became Ma Mo today.
The time between Daniel Louis’s retirement to locating a storefront for the new business was almost two years. During that time, Morgan worked for a large jewelry chain as well as an online diamond business. Maurice completed his G.I.A. training and certifications for diamond grading while also working as a Journeyman Union Ironworker.
Ma Mo Jewelry Design operated out of the space in Roosevelt/ Ravenna for 16 years. Designing, manufacturing, repair, restyling, and creating custom jewelry for clients. We did a lot of custom work, with our strength being versatility. Capable of designing and executing every detail for the clients’ wishes and requests.
Now an online-only store, Ma Mo is returning to focusing on their designs and exploring new concepts. Forward-thinking with old-world techniques.