Meet Melissa Booth

“Inspired by art deco architecture, nature and the human figure, I create gold jewelry that is timeless in design and crafted for wearability. I strive to make each piece an individual expression of elegance through the use of colored stones and clean lines.

In order to express my ideas, I sketch my designs out completely before any gold work is done. This process allows me to focus on the asymmetry within each piece and to plan each element with balance and proportion. I hand fabricate my work using yellow, rose, white and green gold. Using old world techniques of forging, piercing and forming, I fashion the gold using hand tools. In order to incorporate depth and expression into my work, I also utilize the lost wax process of casting. My work features unusual gem combinations and each piece is designed to enhance the characteristics, protection and beauty of the stones.”

Growing up I studied my father, a finish carpenter and cabinetmaker. I saw the skill and care that went into each piece. Every detail was painstakingly thought out and every angle precise. This is when I first realized how important hand craftsmanship is.

I was first introduced to jewelry production in high school. It was during this time I developed my passion for drawing and painting and I soon became interested in sculpture and three dimensional forms. I continued my art studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and as a junior I was offered an incredible opportunity with a custom jewelry store. I jumped at the chance to work with such skilled artisans and I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1989. I continued working for the custom design shop for 10 years and advanced from metal polisher to one of their most accomplished designers. I was pleased to win several design awards from The Wisconsin Jewelers Association while employed there. In 1998, I moved to North Carolina to start my own business and focus on my original goal, to design and produce truly one-of-a-kind creations for my clients.