MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsAug 25, 2016
One to Watch: Spencer Fine Jewelry
Melissa Spencer, the recipient of the 2016 Carelle-WJA Grant, is putting her own modern spin on the personalized jewelry craze.
Melissa Spencer, the 2016 Carelle-WJA Grant winner, is putting herself on the map with a line of modern-yet-personal jewelry using proprietary Spencer Portrait gemstones, as seen in her self-portrait pendant at right.
New York-- Melissa Spencer is putting her own modern spin on the personalized jewelry craze.
The designer behind Spencer Fine Jewelry has reinvented traditional portrait miniatures by creating the Spencer Portrait gemstone, made through a proprietary process of projecting an image into natural gemstones and setting them on customizable frames of 18-karat gold or sterling silver.
Though she has collection of the jewelry with images already included, customers also can create a custom Spencer Portrait gem.
One of Spencer’s latest projects also includes a collaboration with diamond painter Angie Crabtree called the Diamond Portrait collection, with Crabtree’s intricate portraits transformed into a Spencer Portrait gemstone. The collection launched at the JA New York Summer show.
Below, the 2016 Carelle-WJA Grant winner talks about how her unique aesthetic and how Spencer Fine Jewelry came to be.
National Jeweler: What brought you to jewelry design, and what was the inspiration for your collection?
Melissa Spencer: I have been interested in design and form since I was a child. I could identify the make and model of automobiles at night by the shape and spacing of their head and taillights from the back seat of my parents’ car when we went out to dinner. Later in life, I studied photography, fashion design, architecture and many other fine arts. The summer before my senior year in college, I took a beading class with my mom and started selling my earrings and necklaces to our friends in Dallas. From that moment, I was hooked when I saw the potential of making a career out of my passion and getting to play with the most gorgeous gemstones on a daily basis.
My process is a modern interpretation of historical portraiture. I was inspired by the personalities of the hand-painted porcelain, three-dimensionality of reverse intaglio and romance of the cameo. Last year, I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of portrait jewels. I went back two days in a row to revel in each detail of those extraordinary estate designs.
NJ: Where is your jewelry made?
MS: In downtown Los Angeles.
This oval double-sided butterfly Spencer Portrait pendant features six diamonds on each side and is made in 18-karat yellow and rose gold, with hand painted 24-karat gold inside ($5,000).
The triple butterfly necklace in 18-karat yellow gold features three pastel butterfly wing patterns on mini hexagon gems ($3,300).
The Victoria & Renae Spencer Portrait ring with a diamond painting by Angie Crabtree, made in 18-karat yellow gold ($2,200)
The octagon necklace, in 18-karat yellow gold with 16 diamonds ($3,900)
18-karat yellow gold earrings with peridot-colored butterfly wing patterns, abalone Spencer Portrait gems and 12 diamonds ($5,500)
An oval monogram ring with a golden crown, “M” initial and four diamonds weighing 0.06 carats, made in 18-karat rose gold and sterling silver ($2,000)
The round cheetah detail Spencer Portrait necklace has four diamonds, four yellow sapphires and four orange sapphires in 18-karat yellow gold ($3,600).
This Spencer Portrait necklace features a studio photo of a beagle in 18-karat yellow gold with 12 diamonds totaling 0.12 carats ($3,700).
The McKinzie Spencer Portrait ring featuring an Angie Crabtree painting in a medium-sized hexagon-shaped sterling silver setting ($750)
The customizable photo Spencer Portrait necklace has 35 diamonds weighing a total of 0.56 carats and four orange spinels totaling 0.32 carats ($7,200).
NJ: What should retailers focus on, or what story should they tell, when showing your line to customers?
MS: The customizable aspect of the Spencer Portrait designs makes the jewelry deeply personal. I have been moved to tears with some of the stories clients have shared with me about a
beloved grandmother, cherished children and adored pets. Whether a customer is drawn to the beauty and protection of angels, or whether they identify with a classic monogram, the Spencer Portrait jewelry will connect with the thing they are most passionate about.
NJ: How much inventory must a retailer invest in to carry your brand?
MS: A retailer may start with five, 10 or 15 Spencer Portrait designs, leading up to an entire showcase. At least one piece of jewelry must be customized for their store so that it becomes a personal item of the store owner or a top sales person. This way, the story becomes their own, and it will inspire their customers to follow suit.
NJ: What retailers currently are carrying your line?
MS: Arnold’s Jewelry in Pasadena, Calif. Due to the original concept of my jewelry, I chose to wait and build an inventory of several collections before showcasing it, so that I can be known for my innovation and to provide retailers with ample selection. Since exhibiting this year, there is excitement in the momentum of no longer being a best-kept secret!
NJ: At which trade shows do you exhibit at or are you planning to exhibit?
MS: This past year was my first time exhibiting. I was a Rising Star at JCK Tucson, an Emerging Designer at JCK Las Vegas and graduated to the row adjacent to the New Designer Gallery at JA New York. I also had a table at the Wear One showcase through Jewelers of America. I definitely plan to exhibit next year.
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/independents/trade-shows/4499-ja-holds-wear-one-for-third-time
NJ: What are your plans for upcoming collections?
MS: I first would love to create an annual alphabet of expressive initials, and I have a few other exciting ideas up my sleeve.
NJ: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised to learn that I …”
MS: … can trick rope while standing on a horse!
Retailers interested in contacting Spencer can do so by emailing her at melissa@spencerfinejewelry.com.
NJ: How much inventory must a retailer invest in to carry your brand?
MS: A retailer may start with five, 10 or 15 Spencer Portrait designs, leading up to an entire showcase. At least one piece of jewelry must be customized for their store so that it becomes a personal item of the store owner or a top sales person. This way, the story becomes their own, and it will inspire their customers to follow suit.
NJ: What retailers currently are carrying your line?
MS: Arnold’s Jewelry in Pasadena, Calif. Due to the original concept of my jewelry, I chose to wait and build an inventory of several collections before showcasing it, so that I can be known for my innovation and to provide retailers with ample selection. Since exhibiting this year, there is excitement in the momentum of no longer being a best-kept secret!
NJ: At which trade shows do you exhibit at or are you planning to exhibit?
MS: This past year was my first time exhibiting. I was a Rising Star at JCK Tucson, an Emerging Designer at JCK Las Vegas and graduated to the row adjacent to the New Designer Gallery at JA New York. I also had a table at the Wear One showcase through Jewelers of America. I definitely plan to exhibit next year.
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/independents/trade-shows/4499-ja-holds-wear-one-for-third-time
NJ: What are your plans for upcoming collections?
MS: I first would love to create an annual alphabet of expressive initials, and I have a few other exciting ideas up my sleeve.
NJ: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised to learn that I …”
MS: … can trick rope while standing on a horse!
Retailers interested in contacting Spencer can do so by emailing her at melissa@spencerfinejewelry.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
