About Us
Jewelry is art—art that reflects the creativity of the artist and the personality of the person who wears it. Since we adorn our bodies with these pieces, our jewelry is imbued with personal intent.
Rarely is it just about the jewelry itself; rather, it is the meaning behind our artistic jewelry creations that truly matters. Take the antique locket you never take off—it's a cherished gift from your favorite aunt. Or consider the filigree platinum and diamond ring you wear on your right hand; it belonged to your grandmother. Then there are the aquamarine and diamond earrings, which you purchased to celebrate your last promotion. And let’s not forget the diamond eternity band on your left hand, your wedding band that was custom made to fit perfectly alongside your engagement ring, crafted just for you.
What about that multicolor sapphire ring that made you smile the moment you first saw it? It brings you joy every time you wear it, and that makes all the difference.
I am very fortunate to be a jewelry designer, particularly within the realm of custom jewelry design. This role allows me to play a small part in life's celebrations, a responsibility I take seriously. From the initial design concept to the selection of precious metals and gemstones, and the exceptional craftsmanship that brings the idea to life, I meticulously consider every detail. These details make my pieces special today, and with a focus on creating timeless designs, I aim to ensure that my Ellie Thompson jewelry will be cherished for decades to come.
URBAN + WILD SPACES
An enthusiastic traveler with an adventurous spirit, Ellie Thompson is influenced by both the natural and modern worlds. Her artistic jewelry creations reflect her diverse styles, expressing the linear, geometric aspects of her urban experience, while other collections highlight her love of nature. As an avid mountain biker, skier, and adventurer, she calls both Chicago and Montana home, where she also focuses on custom jewelry design under the Ellie Thompson jewelry brand.
AWARDS + ACCOLADES
Ellie Thompson has won numerous awards for her artistic jewelry creations that showcase her innovative use of precious colored gemstones and metals. She has earned the prestigious Spectrum Award three times and the American Vision Award twice, along with accolades from the World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International. In 2000, she was awarded First Prize in the American Jewelry Design Council's New Talent Competition, an achievement that propelled her custom jewelry design career into the national spotlight.
EXPERIENCE + PASSION
A graduate gemologist with many years of experience in the trade, Ms. Thompson's extensive background not only in custom jewelry design and manufacturing but also in appraisal, jewelry history, and auction consulting has given her a sophisticated understanding of what produces enduring value over time. She is highly sought after for her artistic jewelry creations, crafting unique pieces that reflect an individual's own taste and style, especially through her signature Ellie Thompson jewelry.
NOTABILITY + PRAISE
In Chicago, Ms. Thompson is honored to have two of her artistic jewelry creations featured in a permanent exhibit in the Grainger Hall of Gems at The Field Museum. Out west, her custom jewelry design buckles have twice been recognized in the C.M. Russell Museum Exhibit and Auction in Great Falls, Montana. In 2015 and 2017, she received an award for her Ellie Thompson jewelry at The Western Design Conference in Jackson, Wyoming.