Delicately twisted twigs crafted in luxurious gold are some of Melissa McClure’s most well known works. An accomplished jewelry artist, McClure’s work connects two worlds: her own roots are split between Texas and NYC. That blending of rugged energy and sophisticated sensibilities is a winning combination: delicate organic jewelry with hefty visual appeal.
Bracelet, from the artist’s website
What we love about Melissa’s work is her focus on capturing what’s essential to her design and not a bit more. While Nature is given to extravagance and redundancy, McClure’s designs are far more restrained. Here we see form and function marry beautifully: each creation is hand forged to be both beautiful and wearable.
Necklace, from the artist’s website
Melissa comes from a long line of jewelers and craftsmen. On her mother’s side, the family has been in the jewelry business for five generations; her paternal grandfather was an accomplished carpenter who Melissa credits for her attention to detail.
Prior to earning her metalsmithing and design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in 2005, McClure earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Theory and Criticism from Middlebury College. She has also worked in Los Angeles’ film industry as a costume designer and wardrobe stylist for film, television, commercials and music videos. Her work has been widely covered by the fashion and lifestyle press, including WWD, Style Dash and Bon Appetit.
Melissa McClure participates in Open Studios and welcomes studio visit by appointment.