Maile Roundtree

Medium: Jewelry
Studio: Roundtree & Richardson

10607 NE 110th St
Phone: 425.828.4897

Maile Hunt Roundtree is 4^th generation born and raised in the Fiji Islands, and remains true to her tropical childhood by maintaining a fascination for all things bright, sweet, and shiny. Schooled in Switzerland, Maile left a career in hospitality after realizing that she was not, in fact, hospitable. Eight years as a wedding planner provided her with a creative outlet, but the heavy medication required in dealing with stressed out mothers of the bride caused her to seek alternate employment. She also worked as a Set and Costume Designer for local independent films and nationally syndicated TV shows.

One afternoon in 2002, while looking for something to keep her hands busy while watching Oprah, Maile began making jewelry and accessories for herself. Her designs were so popular with friends who were bored by the mass-produced merchandise available in stores, that she found herself designing full-time. Due to the high demand for Maile’s creations, she joined forces with another designer, Nicole Richardson, and is now the owner of Roundtree & Richardson, which keeps her so busy that she is required to TiVo Oprah and watch it at odd hours. Much to her delight, Oprah wore a pair of their earrings on a recent show.

Although trained in jewelry design and fabrication, Maile’s true passion lies in seeking out the unusual and the forgotten. She travels extensively, always on the lookout for fresh ideas and styles. She loves to search for vintage pieces that she can rescue from obscurity and turn into modern treasures. Never fearing a bit of jetlag, this past year has taken her around the USA and Canada, as well as to Fiji, Sydney, India, London, Barcelona, and Paris. Roundtree and Richardson creations are sold in stores around the world, including Nordstrom. She currently lives in Seattle with her husband, her adorable baby daughter and their abnormally large golden retriever.