Melissa was born in Madison, WI in 1966 and began studying jewelry design and metalsmithing in high school. As a college junior she was recruited by a custom fine jewelry store and soon became one of their most accomplished designers and goldsmiths. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1989 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. In 1998, Melissa moved to North Carolina to start her own company and focus on designing and creating truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind pieces.
First residing in Asheville, NC, Melissa moved to the Chapel Hill/Hillsborough area in 2000. When she wasn’t traveling to fine art events around the country, she opened her working studio to the public. The demand for her design skills necessitated the need to open a retail space, a goal she realized much more quickly than she thought. Nearing 25 years in downtown Hillsborough, Melissa Designer Jewelry is an important destination not to be missed.
Melissa has been a professional jewelry designer and goldsmith for nearly 40 years. Her work has been exhibited throughout the country in galleries, juried fine art exhibitions, and invitational events. She has been featured in numerous publications and her work has won a variety of awards. Melissa is a proud juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Carolina Designer Craftsmen and the Piedmont Craftsmen Guild.
Melissa Designer Jewelry has been a part of historic downtown Hillsborough for over 25 years. Our goal has always been to provide exceptional jewelry, honest sales and unparalleled customer service.
Our Gems
Melissa Booth
Owner | Designer-Goldsmith
Growing up I studied my father, a finish carpenter and cabinetmaker. I saw the skill and care that went into each piece. Every detail was painstakingly thought out and every angle precise. This is when I first realized how important hand craftsmanship is.
I was first introduced to jewelry production in high school. It was during this time I developed my passion for drawing and painting and I soon became interested in sculpture and three dimensional forms.
Kathy
Gallery Manager
Kathy joined the MDJ team in 2018 as a part-time salesperson, looking to rejoin the work force after raising her two sons. With her experience in retail and stringing work, and a genuine interest in growing her knowledge of the jewelry industry, she was a perfect fit for Melissa’s team. She soon became a full-time team member, and now serves as our gallery manager. She has completed several courses with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and continues her virtual studies there with the goal of becoming a Graduate Gemologist and adding even more value to the business and our client experience. Kathy is a transplanted New Englander, and has lived in North Carolina since 2001.
Nadine
Sales Associate
Nadine joined the MDJ sales team in 2022. An accomplished jewelry artist herself, she brings creative energy and a unique combination of product and fabrication knowledge to our team.
Scherri
Sales Associate
Scherri joined the MDJ sales team in 2021. At the start of her time with the sales team, she worked in the shop occasionally, until she retired from a local government position in 2023. She brings to Melissa’s her years of customer service experience in the public and private sector.
In her free time, she is the front person for the 80s tribute band She Bop. Scherri has lived in Hillsborough since 2008.
Jared
Goldsmith Apprentice
Jared graduated from Goucher College in 2022, earning a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies. After graduating, he spent a year teaching Computer Science and Business Writing at Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School in Durham. Having grown up watching his family go to Melissa for their jewelry needs, he reached out to Melissa to express his interest in making a career change and learning about the jewelry industry.
Having worked with his hands most of his life, he was drawn to the fabrication aspect of the jewelry business and was interested in learning from Melissa how to work with metals. He also found himself drawn to the design process, and thus realized he had a passion for the artistic side of jewelry.
Melissa directed him to the New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee, where he completed Bench Jeweler Comprehensive and Stone Setting Comprehensive courses in February of 2024. Jared is looking forward to a full-time apprenticeship and the opportunity to grow and learn both as a goldsmith and an artist.
Gladys Knight
Shop Dog
Gladys is the cutest shop dog in Downtown Hillsborough!