Melissa Joy Manning "Alphabet" Silver Initial B Ring, Size 7

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Product Overview

• Style: B

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
STATEMENTMelissa 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 endeavor to use products that have been sourced
in an environmentally conscious manner, such as naturally shed animal teeth
and bones. 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. We officially qualify for the distinction of
being a “green” company based on our usage of environmentally conscious
materials, and the practices that we have instituted in our workplace
regarding environmental responsibility and community development. 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 environmentally conscious
refinery. The balance of their gold is purchased from other environmentally
conscious refineries and mines that adhere to strict guidelines related to
impact on the environment and local communities and working conditions. We
have also undertaken efforts to make our workplace more green through waste
and metal recycling and controls on our electricity usage that result in
approximately 10% energy savings each year. Even the small changes that we’ve
instituted, such as using energy-saving light bulbs and cloth instead of
disposable towels, make a difference over the long-run. Community development
is also central to our company culture and mission. Melissa Joy Manning
jewelry is handmade 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.