jill melyssa

Historical architecture, industrialism and haute couture influence the bold jewelry designs of North Carolina metalsmith Jill Melyssa.

Artist: Born in Bogota, Colombia, Melyssa was raised in New York. She earned a BA from the University of Albany and an MBA from Empire State University. After college, she worked in various managerial positions in New York before leaving those careers behind.

In 2012,she started making beaded jewelry. The next year she landed an apprenticeship with a metal fabrication studio in Brooklyn.

“Being introduced to metal — copper, brass and enamel — was life changing,” said Melyssa. “I knew I had found my creative home and career I wanted to pursue.”

In 2019, Melyssa and her family moved to Charlotte, NC. But it wasn’t until her two older children left for college that she was able to devote herself full time to making jewelry.

Company/studio: Jill Melyssa Fine Jewelry is based in Charlotte, NC. The designer has a home studio and works out of the McColl Center in downtown Charlotte.

Art & materials: Sculptural metal art jewelry ($100 to $900) made from brass, bronze, sterling silver and gemstones. Jewelry includes cuffs, earrings, pendants and rings.

Some of Melyssa’s textured and dimensional designs are inspired by scenes and sightings from her years in New York, including the “Subway Grate Collection.”

Favorite tools: Torches and a MIG welder.

Inspirations:

Textures.
Human emotion.
The fantasy of haute couture.
The juxtaposition between ornate and modern architecture found in NYC.

Fun or special commissions: A black engagement ring set.

Recent awards/honors:

American Craft Council Emerging Artist Cohort. 2024. She was one of 10 artists selected.
ArtPop Street Gallery Class of 2025, which placed her jewelry on billboards in major cities, including Times Square in New York,

What’s next:

Guild of Charlotte Artists’ Pop Up Market at the Mint Museum Randolph, Charlotte. Sept. 28.
Charlotte Fashion Collective’s runway show “Eclipse” at the RSVP Night Club in Charlotte’s South End. Oct.11.
ArtPop Art Market at Le Meriden, Charlotte. Nov. 1.

Where to buy: