Modern Mood Jewelry
MEET MICHELLE MA AND MONICA BERN — CO-OWNERS OF THE SIMPLISTIC AND ELEGANT MODERN MOOD JEWELRY
Think of jewelry like an exclamation point — but for your outfit.
Sometimes, the last thing that brings the whole look together is a pair of earrings, a statement necklace or a simplistic bracelet.
An accessory, like a purse, shoe or jewelry, can elevate your style or your outfit for that day. Think of it like an instant confidence boost. Small but mighty, jewelry can wield many positive attributes when it comes to boosting self-esteem and confidence. For example, wearing a certain pair of earrings can help you feel more put together, or wearing a necklace or bracelet that adds some sparkle, color or visual interest to an outfit can set your mood for the day.
While wearing jewelry can be a matter of preference, when you see Modern Mood Jewelry, you’ll probably say, “I’ll take one of everything.”
Co-owners Michelle Ma and Monica Bern started Modern Mood Jewelry in 2017 to combine their passions and backgrounds in jewelry design and gemology. Michelle and Monica started the business in Arizona, and when Monica moved to Ohio, they naturally expanded.
“Modern for our updated aesthetics, and Mood for the emotions involved in jewelry, from designing to wearing,” the two explain about the business’ name. “Also it's a repetition of the letter M which goes with our names Monica and Michelle.”
Their simplistic pieces — earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in sterling silver with a gold fill have designs with hearts, stars, sunbursts, cactus and horns; and eclectic pieces with an evil eye or lotus flower. They also offer personalized necklaces ranging from your name, a couple’s names and sorority names; and have various styles to choose from including pave, choker and layered necklaces; stud, hoop and drop earrings as well as huggies, threaders and ear climbers; bead, cuff, pave and chain bracelets and rings with thin and twisted bands or chains.
Monica and Michelle say they like to make pieces that they love to wear, and cite geometric and celestial shapes as their favorites. “We have 3 lines of jewelry: a Silver and gold fill collection that is affordable, with most pieces being under $40; a Fine jewelry collection with gold, diamond and gemstones; and a Fine body jewelry collection that is used for piercing, and can only be found at reputable, professional piercing studios like HTC Body Piercing Uptown and North Phoenix.”
Modern Mood Jewelry sterling silver earrings and necklaces
Modern Mood Jewelry takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks from design to finished product. Michelle and Monica have what they call ‘design days’ where they share their sketches back and forth until they are happy with the final design. Since they live in different states, technology has helped them stay in touch and communicate vital aspects of the business to remain successful. “We are so grateful for FaceTime and the high speed internet.” After the designs are finalized, they are submitted to their manufacturers that go through rigorous quality control.
Their fashion jewelry is mostly sterling silver with gold fill; their fine jewelry is 15k or 18k gold and their piercing jewelry is nickel-free and cadmium-free 14k gold. Nickel can cause skin allergies or irritations and cadmium can damage the skin; which brands like Modern Mood Jewelry today are keeping in mind when designing and leave both materials out of their products for customer comfort and safety. “There are very specific specifications that we must adhere to regarding piercing jewelry. Most people are not allergic to the material that we work with. We both have sensitive skin, so we are mindful of this and make it a priority.”
“We love meeting customers at pop ups. We often find that their interest crosses over to all of our collections, not just the ones we are presenting at the moment.
We encourage them to follow us on social media where we post about our latest designs and adventures. We also love giving to causes that we are passionate about whether it be animals, education and women empowerment.”
The co-owners design their stylish, comfortable and affordable jewelry with their customers in mind. Women of all ages wear their fine and fashion jewelry and their piercing jewelry is worn by men and women. “Our ‘client avatar’ takes joy from personal adornment as much as from loving life!”
Since they started the business in 2017, Monica and Michelle say it has evolved in many ways. “We have learned that the local community is fantastic and supportive. Different states have different vibes, but the warmth and the endless possibility to collaborate is the same.”
Modern Mood Jewelry’s curation of earrings in sterling silver with yellow gold fill.
In addition to designing the jewelry and running the business, both women attend pop ups in their respective communities to increase their presence and build relationships with customers. “We love meeting customers at pop ups. We often find that their interest crosses over to all of our collections, not just the ones we are presenting at the moment,” they say. “We encourage them to follow us on social media where we post about our latest designs and adventures. We also love giving to causes that we are passionate about whether it be animals, education and women empowerment.”
As for the future of the business, they want to continue expanding and hosting their piercing parties, as it’s one of their favorite events. The business is currently online-only and the offices are based in Scottsdale, AZ.
Their favorite part of the business? Each other.
”Michelle and I are the epitome of opposites attract, however the more we are together the more we start to morph into one another,” Monica says. “Finishing one another’s sentences and laughing all day while getting things done! I couldn’t ask for a better business partner.”
“I truly enjoy sharing my day with an amazing business partner, Monica. We compliment each other extremely well. Nothing like spending many many hours together and still finding joy in each other's presence! I mean like, laugh-my-butt-off kind of joy,” Michelle says.
-Stylish Storyteller
*Header photo: (Left) Michelle Ma and Monica Bern at The Scott Resort. Photo by Emina Omeragic Photography. Makeup: The Sparkle Bar; Courtesy Michelle Ma and Monica Bern
