Exquisite hand crafted jewellery created by Melissa Harris has long adorned the likes of Zoe Kravitz, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster. Moving to Los Angleles from Australia in 1980 to pursue a career as a makeup artist in the film industry, Melissa worked with stars such as Ed Harris, Jeff Goldblum, Janet Jackson and Annie Lennox. In between films, Melissa used her downtime to pursue her true p
assion of jewellery making. As the requests escalated, she began to turn down jobs in the film industry and Melissa Harris Jewellery was born. Largely self taught, Melissa gained an education in technique with short intensive courses in jewellery making at the the Barnsdall Art Centre under the tutelage of fine contemporary american jewellers such as Valerie Mitchell. Melissa's signature style developed using language and symbology along with religious iconography as early sources of inspiration. In 1989 the Los Angeles Times Magazine included Melissa in an article featuring emerging jewellery designers. The effect of the article was immediate - launching Melissa's work into 20 Galleries across the USA, including the Whitney Museum Store. Tim Robbins commissioned pieces for his wife Susan Sarandon as well as a special piece for Spike Lee. Renowned American interior designer Sharon Simonaire commissioned a piece which was based around symbology for good fortune. In 1995, Melissa returned to Australia to open her own store in Crown Street, Surry Hills. Now based in London, Melissa continues to be inspired by symbology, art and architecture and has a passionate business selling her own designs as well as jewellery from around the globe. She believes that lives are lived in moments, occasions and celebrations with jewellery acting as an emotional bookmark. Unconcerned with passing fashion fads and trends, Melissa creates unique, timeless pieces that are made to last forever. Past and present clients of Melissa Harris include Elton John, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Jodie Foster, Alanis Morissette, Rae Dawn Chong, Charlize Theron Mikey Robins, Tammy McIntosh, Mary Schepisi, Asher Keddie, Natalie Saleeba, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Cate Blanchett, Tara Morice, Jolene Anderson
