Melissa Joy Manning

Socially Responsible Fine Jewelry

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November Birthstone: Citrine

Chemical Makeup: SiO2

The autumnal yellow-orange hue of citrine is caused by trace elements of iron in the stone. Long associated with the warmth of the sun and often confused for topaz, citrine is actually a color rich variety of quartz. Citrine crystals can grow into extremely large specimens, creating giant citrine "cathedrals" that can tower high above your head.  

November Babies, shop your birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/november-citrine.html

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You are cordially invited to a Stone Setting Workshop at the upcoming Field + Supply Modern Makers Craft Fair. Melissa will lead the workshop, going over the basics of stone properties and prong setting. Then you can test your skills on the bench and hand make your very own ring or earrings.  

When: October 8th, 11:30am (90 minute duration)

Where: The Hutton Brickyards, 200 North Street, Kingston NY 12401

Visit Here for tickets!

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October Birthstone: OPAL

Chemical Makeup: SiO2•nH2O

Opals are one of the most talked about stones throughout history; ancient Romans believed that opals were king of the gems because they had every color,  bedouin legend has it that opals were created by lightning strikes from the heavens, and an old wive’s tale from the Victorian era declared that anyone who dared to wear an opal would be unlucky, unless of course, they were born in October. From crystal clear and sparkling opals, to dark brown boulder opals with tiny flashes of light (brought to you by the natural silica content), opals come in nearly every color, and no two opals are alike.  Due to the high water content of opals, they can be soft and require extra care and attention. We recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight and water, both which can change the appearance of the stone. 

October babies, shop you birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/material/opal-70.html

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September Birthstone: Sapphire

Chemical Makeup: Al2O3

The enigmatic sapphire is the birthstone for September. Although most associated with their blue and pink varieties, any colored gemstone from the corundum family would be considered a sapphire, with the exception of red which we call ruby.  Sapphires have been treasured as stones of nobility and sincerity since the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and today they are still prized as engagement rings and other personal jewelry. 

September babies, shop your birthstone at: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/september-sapphire.html

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Stay tuned for The Next Now on August 17th when a new emerging designer will be picked by a panel of our peers. 

to apply or learn more, see http://www.thenextnow.us/

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AUGUST BIRTHSTONE: Peridot

Chemical Makeup: (MgFe)2SiO4

The Birthstone for August, peridot, was first used in jewelry by the ancient Egyptians, who believed the stone could ward off evil spirits. The rich would set their peridot talismans in gold, while peasant folk would simply string their peridot on donkey hair and tie the charm around their left arm for protection. This grass green stone is associated with sunshine, despite being formed deep below the earth's crust in the molten volcanic mantle. It reaches the surface by the intense forces of volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, and there are also peridot formed in space that came to Earth on crash landed meteors.

August babies, shop your birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/august-peridot.html

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JULY BIRTHSTONE: Ruby

Chemical Makeup: Al2O3

The Birthstone for July, rubies are one of the most precious of all stones. The mineral corundum comprises the ruby, and chromium gives the red coloring that distinguishes rubies from every other color of corundum, which are categorized as sapphires. Rubies have a long history in civilization; they are mentioned several times in the bible, in Pliny the Elder's "Natural History", and are named "king of precious stones" in sanscrit. Their warm reddish-pink coloring represents passionate love, so this stone has long been favored by romantics.

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JUNE BIRTHSTONE: Pearl 

Chemical Makeup: CaCO3

We first see recorded evidence of natural pearls in 2206 B.C. in China. Recently, a 7,400 year old natural pearl was found on a neolithic archeological site in south-eastern Arabia. One of the most famous gemstones in human history is La Peregrina, a large teardrop pearl; originally found in Panama in the early 1500′s, the pearl was brought to Spain and worn by Mary I of England, then was passed down through European royals until it was auctioned in 1969 and purchased by Richard Burton for $37,000, who gifted the pearl to Elizabeth Taylor. She had a necklace designed with it by Cartier, and after her death, the necklace sold for over $11 million at auction. 

Despite the long history of pearls, they remain one of the most popular gemstones in the world. They symbolize the moon with their glowing luster, as well as the sea where they come from. 

June Babies, shop your birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/june-pearl.html

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MAY’S BIRTHSTONE: Emerald

Chemical Makeup: Be3Al2Si6O18

Emeralds have long been treasured for their strong green color; Cleopatra had a famous love for the richly colored stones, and Pliny the Elder describes them in his Natural History text as gemstones that restore the eye when stressed or strained.

We love the use of emerald in both its rough and faceted forms, and it is an 8 on the Mohs scale which makes it a great alternative option for an engagement ring.

May babies, shop your birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/may-emerald.html

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Melissa Joy Manning

Check out our one of a kind Dinosaur Bone and Agate necklace available for auction on Conscious Consuming’s website, who seek to inspire their communities towards sustainable living. 

It will be available through May 1st. 

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You’re the Meaning in my Life, You’re my Inspiration

MGH Discovered Art Gets Inspired

Thank You to Michele Gilchrist Hembree for featuring our Berkeley location as one of her favorite brick and mortar stores in the Bay Area. 

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Feature Friday: MJM

We enjoy highlighting one of many unique brands in our "Feature Friday" blog posts.Green Certified by the state of California, MJM is a brand that works to create fine jewelry by utilizing recycled materials. MJM is inspired by the nature of the world; an inspiration that is reflected in its usage of stones such as turquoise, agate, pearl, and herkimer diamonds in its jewelry collections. During its production process MJM ensures its ecological and social standards are met by only working with a Green Certified refinery. Its focus on environmental safety is key to MJM's brand image, and essential to its responsibility as a domestic manufacturer.Founder Melissa Joy Manning has used her talents to create jewelry from an early age. She employs her craft in a way that gives the wearer a freedom to tell their own stories with her products. To her, sustainability and style go hand-in-hand, a believe that is visible in her nature-inspired jewelry. Her push for an eco-friendly company has proved to be rewarding; she was given the honor of winning the Lexus Eco Fashion Challenge, and she now sits on the board of advisers for the CFDA + Lexus Fashion Initiative. MJM truly understands the responsibility that comes from being a jewelry company. Its environmental-friendly practices make the brand stand out from the crowd and give it an edge in this competitive industry. Here at Fortress of Inca we appreciate its effort to create beautiful and ethical products. We hope that you enjoy MJM's crafts as much as we do and look at some of its amazing pieces below. PYRITE STUD EARRINGS | CARMENPALOMA | GOLD V PENDANT NECKLACEHERKIMER DIAMOND HUG HOOPS | ADRIANA COCO

Thank You to Fortress of Inca for featuring us on their blog. Check out their genius pairing of our jewelry with their ethically crafted shoes. 

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As the Co-founder of the CFDA Sustainability Committee and mentor to designers in the CFDA+Lexus Fashion Initiative, Melissa Joy Manning supports the growth of brands and designers who share her dedication to Responsible Design and Business Practices. 

Learn more at https://cfda.com/news/melissa-joy-manning-mentors-the-future-of-sustainable-jewelry?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue%20XVII%20CFDA%20Member%20Newsletter&utm_content=Issue%20XVII%20CFDA%20Member%20Newsletter%20CID_9a6a9ef3db81e881505ab33bf156a17c&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=here

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Mined in Montana and Crafted in California, these Sapphire rings make for the perfect All-American engagement ring. 

First discovered by a school teacher in 1894 who correctly identified the blue pebbles, Montana Sapphires have long been sought after as one of the only gemstones with deposits in the United States. 

We love Montana Sapphires for their natural qualities as well as their domestic source. 

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MARCH’S BIRTHSTONE: Aquamarine

Chemical Makeup: Be3Al2Si6O18

This member of the Beryl family is a favorite of mermaids and humans alike! Named for the latin for “Sea Water”, Aquamarine is associated with the calming and self reflectiveness of the ocean. Due to its durability (it’s a 7.5-8 on the Mohr Hardness Scale!), Aquamarine rings are highly prized as an alternative engagement option.

March babies, shop your birthstone here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/march-aquamarine.html

Raw Aquamarine Image via GIA

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FEBRUARY’S BIRTHSTONE: Amethyst

A stone of balance and humility, the amethyst has long been worn by clergy members, civil servants, and artists alike. According to ancient lore, wearing amethyst while consuming alcohol would prevent drunkenness and maintain a clear mind and body. Perhaps this is because of the Ancient Roman origin story of amethyst; the maiden Amethyst prayed to Diana to protect her from the approaching wine god Bacchus, so Diana transformed her into a pure white stone. Bacchus in his anger poured his wine over the stone and it stained the stone, giving it the rich purple hue. 

February babies, view our Amethyst pieces online here: http://melissajoymanning.com/gift/birthstones/february-amethyst.html