Melissa Dawn Jewelry

I’m obsessed with the idea that an object can be more than the sum of its parts. I take words from literature, video games, and pop culture, and turn them into jewelry. The words become part of the piece and turn it into a talisman, hopefully giving the wearer a little boost through the day.

I work the silver and bronze by hand, carving, hammering, soldering, and polishing until they tell the right story. Metal clay is my new love. I started using it in my Towee collection to bring to life some of the beautiful images I see in books. Each piece is a reminder of a passage. Some are chosen for their meaning, like the Fox from The Little Prince. Some are chosen because the imagery is lovely, like the Pomegranates from the myth of Persephone. The silver clay is so perfect for these designs, because silver has such an understated beauty. Like books, the more you pay attention to the detail and the subtle beauty, the more enjoyable they become.

I believe that intentionality is everything, and that good thoughts will create good actions. By creating jewelry imbued with words of friends, love, and humor, I try to make the world a little more beautiful.