Vanessa Mellet jewelry is all designed and handmade by her, in her Oakland California studio. Pieces are a combination of fabrication, engraving, casting, enamel, beading and wire wrapping. She works in sterling silver, 14K and 18K yellow gold. “I fabricate my originals in sterling silver for those pieces that are cast. These are later sent to a casting company in New Mexico to be molded and cast. I then cut and file the sprews, solder bezel settings and then enamel the pieces. Once pieces have been enameled (several layers of enamel and firings later), they are polished and then stones can be set. Once the stones are set is when I really get to play with colors and mixing different materials. This is the point at which the pieces are embellished with beads of precious and semi-precious stones, coral, pearls, shell, horn or glass.” The last step is making and putting ear wires onto earrings, putting clasps on necklaces and tying the silk chord that is used for stringing multiple strands of beads on many of the necklaces. Vanessa makes her clasps, ear wires and most chains.

Cleaning Your Jewelry
Storing your jewelry in boxes or sealed bags will slow the process of oxidation of gold and silver. If your jewelry looks like it could use some polishing we recommend using polishing cloths for jewelry. These are formulated with microabrasives to polish fine jewelry and do not harm the stones or enamel. Polishing cloths are usually available at bead stores, jewelry stores and jewelry supply stores. We recommend you polish pieces regularly. The more oxidized pieces get, the harder it is to get them clean. For pieces with lots of granulation fold the polishing cloth and use the edge of the fold to get into tight spots.

Ear Wires
Vanessa’s ear wires are designed for safety. The best thing is not to open the ear wire to put earrings on, this only weakens the wire and makes it easier to lose. Just slip the earring on without opening the ear wire, (it may pinch a little) and then take it off in the same manner; this way you will be sure not to loose your earrings!!!

Clasps
Vanessa Mellet necklaces either have extenders or a beautiful handmade enameled clasp. For the necklaces with an enameled clasp, she designed the clasps to be hooked from back to front. When clasped this way, the enameled piece lays flat on the neck so that it won’t turn and can be enjoyed by others.

Enamel Care
Enamel is glass fused onto metal. Enameled jewelry, like pearls, can benefit from extra care. Your enameled pieces should not be stored in a place where they have contact with hard objects which could chip the enamel if banged against each other. Ideally an enameled piece will be stored in a box or other protective container. This will ensure that the enamel stays intact and beautiful for many years to come.