MELISSA JOY MANNING

Joyful, powerful, unique; these are words that describe both the designer and her jewelry. Since the inception of her first line in 1997, Melissa Joy Manning has created a collection of unusual, modern designs that transcend stylistic trends and attract a loyal following.

Melissa studied traditional silversmithing at the Instituto de Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and European design principles at the University of Barcelona. Prior to studying abroad, Melissa majored in art history at the University of California, San Diego, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in jewelry design and sculpture from San Francisco State University.

My jewelry is not an accessory, but an expression. My pieces aren’t about buying into what mass media tells you you should be, but about finding a piece that speaks to the individuals and echoes their personality. I believe that jewelry can influence the way you feel; it can say and mean something different to every wearer.

I like to challenge the ideals of traditional jewelry by blending conventional materials to create neoteric pieces. I believe in the permanence of the piece, and one of my greatest inspirations is in knowing that people will treasure their jewelry, hopefully for generations.