For many Italian immigrants like my grandfather, Emidio Mele, coming to America meant a chance at a new life. For Emidio, that chance came at the young age of twelve. In 1896, he immigrated to New York City where he lived with a family from his small town of Volturara Irpina in Italy. My grandfather was lucky to have the help of his surrogate Italian family and a few mentors to get him started on what would become his future legacy.
Learning his craft from fine jewelry display case makers Wolfsam and Sachs, Emidio soon had the skills he needed to make a name for himself. In 1912 he did just that as his first designs were conceived and crafted at his kitchen table. His new venture focused on designing and building his own elegant jewelry displays for stores and eventually jewelry boxes for home storage. Ever the true entrepreneur, my grandfather was the craftsman, salesman, and deliveryman as well. With his attention to detail and design, it was not long before Emidio began to attract high-end customers for his jewelry boxes from New York’s historic Fifth Avenue.
My grandfather’s business grew into the 1940’s and 1950’s ushering in a new generation of Mele family to the trade – three brothers, Edward and Raymond, my uncles, and Joseph, my father. Edward, the eldest son, joined Mele after graduating from college. Both Raymond and Joseph first served in the military, Raymond as a fighter pilot, and my father as a tugboat captain. After graduating college they both joined the family business in 1947 and brought new growth to Mele!
The next decade brought much excitement to our company and our jewelry box line. We introduced a jewelry box with an automatic tray, a feature so successful that we still offer it today. In 1948 Macy’s listed a Mele jewelry box as one of the “ten best-selling holiday gifts” in an article featured in Life magazine. In the mid 1950’s we introduced another new category to the collection, musical jewelry boxes, with movement from Switzerland. Shortly after, this musical success developed into the start of an entire category line with timeless popularity, children’s musical jewelry boxes with a revolving ballerina. From wood jewelry boxes to musical, girl’s jewelry boxes to lacquer boxes, our “furniture miniatures” and more, our selection over these years brought us to be known as “the foremost name in jewelry cases”.
Over the following years in the 1950’s, we had experienced enough growth that we had seven facilities over New York State. In order to be more efficient, we consolidated all of our operations to our upstate location in Utica, New York. Our business found a new home for the “entire family” and the Italian heritage of this Central New York community provided for the best location to ground our roots. Half a century after our founding and all under “one roof”, a new era for Mele began!
My grandfather’s love for his trade has been passed down through generations. I am the third generation of our family to own and operate my grandfather’s business and continue his legacy of excellence. I am proud to carry on this legacy as we continue to create beautiful jewelry boxes that you and your family can enjoy for a lifetime. We have a long history in Utica and we are thrilled we have been able to maintain our presence in a city rich with Italian heritage, just like our company.
As we grow toward our 100th anniversary, we now call our family brand “Mele & Co.” which best encompasses our brand – it’s not just Mele – it is our entire company – our family. We continue to be the most desired name in jewelry cases throughout the world. Our name is our brand. We infuse the heritage of our family into each of our jewelry boxes and continue to offer you innovative and timeless designs for years of happiness and sentimental memories.
Welcome to Mele & Co. – A Company of Tradition, A Family of Values.
Raymond Mele
President