After majoring in art history at the University of California, San Diego and getting her BA in jewelry design and sculpture at San Francisco State University, Melissa Joy Manning studied traditional silversmithing at the Instituto de Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and European design principles at the University of Barcelona before launching her line in 1997.

“I never set out to be a jewelry designer; rather, I wanted to live an authentic life in pursuit of my craft,” the designer says.

The MELISSA JOY MANNING collection is known for beautiful design, impeccable craft, and socially and environmentally responsible ethos. MELISSA JOY MANNING is the rare brand that produces a luxury, heirloom-quality collection using Green Certified practices.

“I am fascinated by the energy and history of objects,” Manning says. “When creating jewelry I often think about the life it will lead and the hands that it will pass through. I know my jewelry designs will have a life outside of my hands. They will become heirlooms that will resonate with stories bigger and more interesting than my own.”

Manning has a wedding collection, expanded distribution to over 300 stores worldwide and opened retail locations in Berkeley, California, Manhattan and a boutique in Brooklyn. She also founded and co-chaired the CFDA Sustainability Committee, won the Lexus Eco Fashion Challenge and sits on the advisory board of CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative and NEST.

“I am still concerned with beauty but I’m also interested in pushing people’s perceptions of precious,” says Manning of her evolving ideals.
Melissa Joy Manning has been a CFDA Member since 2011.