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As a fifth generation jeweler Melissa is continuing a family tradition which began in Baden Baden Germany nearly 200 years ago. Introduced early in life to the art of jewelry making and design, she has worked with various metal smithing techniques as well as a variety of materials.
During the last twenty years, in which she formed Melissa Shipley Designs, her focus has been exclusively on design and material quality, searching for the unusual and the creating the original. This is where her love for pearls blossomed.
Melissa’s first response to colored pearls occurred over fifteen years ago and a deep admiration continues to this day. It is from the organic individuality of these precious gems that is so inspiring. Pearls have versatility and certain unpredictability. Her |
creations are motivated by the pearls’ continuously changing nature, their texture, rich luster and unlimited shapes. Pearls lend themselves to originality and Melissa embraces the challenge of creating new designs that compliments one of nature’s most remarkable creations.
Hailing originally from the Midwest, after twenty years in Colorado, Melissa now considers the mountains home and takes much of her inspiration from the unlimited beauty surrounding her each day.
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Melissa began her jewelry training before leaving high school with undergraduate study at Washington University under the tutelage of a master metal smith. She then graduated from college where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts followed by continuing education at the Penland School of Craft, finishing with her post graduate study when graduating from the Gemological Institute of America with a Graduate Jeweler degree.
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Winning several awards at national Fine Arts shows, including Most Original, First and Second Place and Award of Excellence, Melissa has spent many years providing jewelry for the consumer and the industry. Her work has appeared in publications such as Prism, AJM, Designer Jewelry Showcase, Basel Magazine, Professional Jeweler, JCK and Modern Jeweler.
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Over the years Melissa has taught several workshops including Colorado Free University, SAN Designs Studio and MM School of Design, as well as independent coaching.
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