In coastal Maine, the sea whispers a tale of artistry and family; centered around Ronna Lugosch, and her son Joseph. 1982, Fresh from earning her master's degree in fine arts from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Ronna Lugosch embarked on her artistic journey. With a vision to create distinctive jewelry, she laid the foundation for what would become a hallmark of Maine's jewelry scene. Her early years saw her designing and crafting small-metal sculptures and jewelry, a skill she had honed since her high school days in Evanston.<br><br> While Ronna initially owned a wholesale business, the constant travel and trade shows took a toll on her. In 2000, seeking solace and a fresh canvas for her creativity, Ronna established her own gallery, 'Natural Expressions', The emblem of which was a simple peapod. It wasn’t until 2005, when she created a design combining the peapod with a fiddlehead fern, that Ronna realized she was onto something magical. This simple hybrid sparked a cascade of imaginative designs, from the Peapod Lobster to the Whale Pod, each telling a unique story of Maine. Recognizing the growing popularity of her peapod designs, Ronna rebranded her gallery to Peapod Jewelry in 2007, solidifying her brand's identity, and becoming synonymous with Maine's coastal charm and artistry.<br><br> The company's flagship product, the "Mother’s Peapod," became a favorite among patrons. This customizable pendant, shaped like a peapod, could be crafted from various precious metals and adorned with pearls or gemstones to represent a cherished birthstone.<br><br> Due to health reasons, Ronna decided to step back from the day-to-day operations of the business, and in January of 2020 Joseph became the new owner and designer of Peapod Jewelry; having been involved with the company since 2016, Joe brought fresh energy and vision to expanded the brand's horizons, introducing features that allowed customers to personalize their jewelry online. Ronna is still involved behind the scenes and you can still catch her occasionally at the store., aiming to expand the company's reach and appeal.<br><br> Every piece is designed and made on site, telling a personal story, and capturing the essence of Maine's coastal beauty.<br><br> Today, Peapod Jewelry stands as a testament to Maine's beauty, handcrafted quality, and the enduring bond between a mother and son. Each piece, designed and crafted on-site, tells a personal story, ensuring that Peapod Jewelry remains a memorable and cherished brand for its patrons.