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Jewelry, geodes, objets d’art are specialties of EF Watermelon, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend.
Jim Elliott and Richard Freeman are the “E” and “F” of EF Watermelon. They met in graduate school, but after Jim discovered gemstones, the two began traveling the world to look for interesting stones and materials.
The duo became enamored with tourmalines, especially the striking watermelon variety, which can range in color from white to green to pink. And, inspired by the 1970’s ad that began with, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen,” the name EF Watermelon was born.
Spouses Cathy Elliott and Edie Freeman soon joined the business, which opened a space on Halls Road in 1985 and moved to 24 Lyme Street in 1999.
“If you start with a great stone, you better make something great because that stone and that piece will stay around forever. We are making pieces we believe will be around 100 years from now and we believe Watermelon makes very, very fine jewelry — 18-carat only — and will be an auction item down the line,” said Richard. “We’re trying to make heirlooms and we work hard at that.”
EF Watermelon is open this weekend on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.