About Melissa Gray

Creating beauty to soothe the soul … this is how artist Melissa Gray describes her life’s purpose.  Melissa began her artistic career as a professional decorative artist, trained in interior design and faux finishing.  As she honed her skills, she became increasingly drawn to beautiful organic finishes that resulted in the creation of soft and soothing environments for her clients.  She began to see a correlation between the increased ‘busy-ness’ of everyday life and the yearning for a sanctuary to come home to at the end of a long day.  By combining a natural color palette and textural finishes, Melissa creates tranquil and welcoming environments.

Always searching out new outlets for her creative expression, Melissa began experimenting with jewelry design and discovered a passion for the beauty and feel of natural gemstones.  As she researched the history of spiritual, emotional and physical healing of gemstones, she began to create jewelry that is both beautiful and purposeful.  

Each piece in the ‘Intentions:  jewelry for mindful living’ collection is handcrafted by Melissa and blends her love of soothing natural colors with organic shapes.  Her distinctive style can best be described as ‘elegant simplicity’ as her monochromatic designs allow the natural beauty of each gemstone to be the focal point of her jewelry.  Melissa designs each piece of jewelry with a specific intention (see gemstone meanings and intentions) in mind.   She believes that wearing organic gemstones adds beauty to everyday life and is soothing to the soul.  Selecting a piece of jewelry with intention will assist in focusing thoughts and energies for the day; a specific event; yoga class or meditation & prayer – ultimately resulting in a more mindful life!

Melissa resides in Charleston, South Carolina where she draws inspiration from both the natural beauty of the Lowcountry and the artistic heritage of the historic city.  She often incorporates the romantic curves of the wrought iron found throughout the City into her artwork and jewelry designs.  Melissa and her husband, Micheal, along with their beloved rescued fur children, live and work in a renovated 1840s grist mill in downtown Charleston.  She welcomes visitors to her studio (by appointment – 843.224.8242) to view her decorative painting portfolio, a private jewelry trunk show or for a glass of iced tea on a balmy Charleston afternoon.