I’ll never forget my first pair of hammered gold hoops I purchased from jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning nearly 10 years ago. I’ve been a fan of her signature designs and innovative use of fine metal settings and raw gemstones and minerals ever since. It was an absolute treat to interview her and pay her Berkeley-based workshop and boutique a visit. And of course, the timing couldn’t have been better with the holidays just around the corner. Let’s just say my Christmas wish list is now complete!
Melissa Joy Manning est. 1997:Ā I started my company with $1000 in 1997 by walking around to local stores I liked andĀ asking them to my carry my jewelry. I continually reinvested into my business in orderĀ to build it into the brand it is today.
The design process:Ā Iām still not sure how I design! Iām an incredibly visual person and my idea of play isĀ making things (always has been!) As an avid traveller and nature lover, Iām incrediblyĀ inspired by the environment and different cultures. I take a lot of photos when I travelĀ and use them for inspiration. For me, design is about trying to take an ephemeral feelingĀ or impression and make it permanent in gold and stone.
Gold rules:Ā Gold really is my favorite. Iām not that interested in working with other metals. ForĀ me, gold is the end all. It has the most saturation of color and is available in so manyĀ amazing colors that, as a designer, Iām madly in love with- it makes designing with soĀ many stones easy. Also, there is this incredible depth of brilliance that I donāt think is asĀ prevalent in other metals- gold never reads flat, it always glows.
Inspiration:Ā I grew up in Northern California and derive my inspiration from the environment.
Proudest achievement:Ā Starting the sustainability committee within the Council of Fashion Designers of AmericaĀ with my co-chair, Scott Mackinlay Hahn and our Executive Director, Lisa Smilor. IāmĀ incredibly proud to be working with an amazing group of people to promote sustainableĀ business practices within the fashion industry.
What’s next:Ā We’re opening our new store in SOHO, New York. It is such an amazingĀ concept and I love the idea of designing whatever I want for my own space in theĀ fashion capital of the world! Iāve never made crazier or more innovative pieces. IĀ canāt wait to open our doors!
(images by HonestlyWTF)
Love the jewelry so beautiful!
āØWith A City DreamāØ
Such gorgeous jewelry!
ANDREA VYTLACILOVA blog
Great jewels!
Elisa – My Fantabulous World
I would love to see how jewelry is made! XO
http://stylesensemoments.blogspot.com/
I love the rustic-glamour vibe happening here.
ALL NEW B.A.D: blogaboutdesign.com
Stunning pieces! Love this find. xo Big hugs @ Waiting on Martha
I love how all the jewelry is so delicate. Each piece is a classic and can be worn for years. Thanks for introducing it to me!
Thanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife
looks beautiful!
http://gregoryxgregory.blogspot.de
Beautiful pieces.
http://thinkworkandgo.blogspot.com/
Love your blog!
I’m posting looks from Los Angeles and accessories:
http://www.thegavlaks.com