 |
$ 840.00 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Product Discription
Joyful.
Spiritual. Unique. Empowering. 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.
"I
like to challenge the ideals of traditional jewelry by blending conventional
materials to create neoteric pieces," says the designer. "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."
Melissa
links the modern with the traditional whenever possible. Her unique expression
is clearly influenced by her passion for travel, art and culture. 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.
Nearing
15 years of design, Melissa reflects on the moment she knew this was her
calling. Shortly after starting her company in 1997, Melissa was questioning if
she should take the risk and dive wholeheartedly into her fledgling jewelry
design business. While flipping through TV channels, Melissa stopped at
"Just Shoot Me", a sitcom she had heard of but never seen. As she
idly watched the program, one of the show's many supermodels sauntered across
the screen wearing a Melissa Joy Manning necklace. "It was the ultimate
sign; it showed me that the business was meant to be." Melissa says,
"I believe everything happens for a reason, and if you pay attention,
there are signs everywhere. I've been thankful ever since for having the
courage to pursue this, because I love what I do."
In many
ways, the San Francisco Bay Area native's career choice seemed fated. Melissa
made her first piece in pre-school, a ceramic bead necklace that her mother
still treasures. Today, she designs multiple product lines including a custom
collection of bridal jewelry. Always moving forward and broadening her creative
strokes, Melissa focuses on speaking to the individual rather than the masses.
Melissa believes, "My jewelry is not an accessory, but an expression. My pieces
aren't about buying into what mass media says 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."
Melissa
purchases her materials, found worldwide, from only trusted suppliers who share
her belief in both social and environmental sustainability. Each piece is
handmade to order in her Berkeley, California studio by her in-house production
staff. "We are so fortunate to be able to do what we love and make a
living through our art. We are immensely grateful that we are blessed with the
ability to pursue our passion," Melissa says.
SUSTAINABILTY STATEMENT
Melissa
Joy Manning is a "green" company, both in ethos and in practice. So
much of the beauty of our products is drawn from natural elements. Therefore,
it is important to us to respect the earth and nature in our practices and
designs. We also seek to recycle products, such as vintage coins and antique
African currencies that do not have a practical use, apart from their aesthetic
beauty and historical meaning. Instead of disposing of these products, we seek
to transform them into something beautiful that can be treasured for years to
come.
After
passing rigorous tests by the County of Alameda, State of California, we were
officially certified as a "green" production facility in 2008.
The
metals used in all of our products are treated and refined in an
environmentally sensitive manner. Our primary metals supplier has undertaken
efforts to ensure that its products do not harm communities, workers or the
environment. Their refining processes create up to 75% fewer waste products
than standard refining techniques. Their treatment facility removes all harmful
materials from water before it is evaporated. No waste water is discharged into
the environment without being fully treated beforehand. Their air control
system removes harmful particles from furnace exhaust before the air is
released back into the environment. Over half of our supplier's gold is
purchased from jewelers as post-production scrap and recycled at their
refinery. The balance of their gold is purchased from other refineries and
mines that adhere to strict guidelines related to impact on the environment and
local communities and working conditions.
Community
development is also central to our company culture and mission. Melissa Joy
Manning jewelry is hand made in our own studio in Berkeley, California by
trained metal smiths earning a living, working wage. We manufacture all
components of our jewelry in our own studio using only the finest materials
purchased from our trusted suppliers. When a customer buys a piece of our
jewelry they are contributing to our community; one that offers full benefit
and retirement packages, and company matched IRA's. We are proud to have
received Special Congressional Recognition for our socially sustainable
practices.
Jewelry Information
| Brand, Seller, or Collection Name | Melissa Joy Manning |
|---|---|
| Metal stamp | no-metal stamp |
| Metal | Yellow gold |
| Gem Type | Pink tourmaline |
| Setting | bezel-setting |
| Diameter | 0.2 inches |
| Length | 5.5 inches |
| Chain | No chain |
| Model number | LB399G |