Vintage Mele Jewelry Box, Emerald Green with Ivory Interior, c. 1950–1970
Viridian Eclection
The Piece:
Elegantly rendered in a deep emerald green, this vintage jewelry box by Mele beautifully captures mid-century American design. Open it to reveal a refined ivory interior, thoughtfully organized with ring rolls, necklace hooks, multiple compartments, and a graceful gathered satin catch pocket. The sophisticated color contrast between its vibrant exterior and soft interior is quintessentially vintage Mele—timeless, classic, and effortlessly elegant.
The clean lines and understated hardware accentuate its mid-century charm, making this jewelry box not just functional, but an elegant accent piece perfect for display on a dresser, vanity, or within a curated walk-in closet.
History & Provenance:
Founded by Italian immigrant Emidio Mele in 1912, Mele & Co. swiftly became one of America's premier makers of jewelry boxes. Renowned for quality craftsmanship and tasteful designs, Mele boxes became household staples throughout the mid-20th century. This particular model dates from the 1950s to 1970s, a period recognized for the brand’s emphasis on durable materials, practical interior layouts, and attractive yet subtle aesthetics. Clearly marked "MELE MADE IN U.S.A.," this box represents the quality synonymous with vintage Mele pieces.
Product Details:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Item | Vintage Jewelry Box |
| Maker | Mele |
| Origin | United States |
| Era/Circa | c. 1950s–1970s |
| Material | Wood or composite exterior; synthetic fabric-lined interior |
| Color | Emerald Green Exterior, Ivory Interior |
| Dimensions | Standard dresser-top size (exact dimensions upon request) |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition; minor surface wear consistent with age |
| Interior Features | Ring rolls, necklace hooks, divided compartments, satin catch pocket |
Why It Belongs in Your Home:
This jewelry box doesn't merely store jewelry; it elevates the ritual of dressing. Its graceful silhouette and color palette effortlessly blend vintage appeal with modern sensibility, making it a stylish and practical addition to any dressing space. For collectors and admirers of quality mid-century American design, this Mele jewelry box is both an heirloom-quality organizer and a delightful decorative accent.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
