CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
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
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
