Melissa Joy Manning

I considered purchasing a ring from MJM, and I had a totally fine experience looking around the store and was offered ample and warm help from the staff. They’ve got a bunch of beautiful rings and I’m sure I would’ve been happy with whatever I chose.
However, I’m giving them 3 stars for a weird thing one of the employees said to me that makes me feel uneasy about their commitment to conflict-​free GEMSTONES and diamonds. When I asked them what their process was for ensuring that their diamonds were conflict-​free, she said they use the Kimberley process, which is great (a flawed process but it’s all there is), but when I asked about the gemstones, she said, «The only way there would be conflict gemstones is if the vendors at the Tucson gem show were fighting over them».
Maybe she misunderstood, but her words sure seemed to imply that she thought there weren’t any conflict problems with gemstones. How can you work at a ring store and not know that? Here is a resource that a quick google search found for conflict gemstones:
So, like I said, I’m sure it’s fine for ring-​buying, but that just kind of left a funny taste in my mouth.

After my fiancé proposed to me, my biggest dread was looking for wedding rings. I know, I know, it sounds like bs… a woman who does not like jewelry shoppping. But it’s true! I literally yell «BLECH!» every time I hear the Shane Co commercial. So the thought of going to big box jewelry stores and looking at generic rings with 2.5 carat blah blah blah platinum band blah blah blah is not my idea of a good time. However, my fiancé suggested MJM because his friend bought his now wife a ring from there and she shares my same sentiment about engagement rings.
My experience at MJM is absolutely the opposite of what I dreaded about ring shopping. Their selection of unique and one-​of-​a-​kind rings were extensive, and all of their products are made from conflict free and recycled prodcuts, which was also very important to me. This anti-​ring shopper ended up buying three rings! I found a warm yellow diamond ring and two recycled gold bands, one with a half circle of tiny diamonds (see photos). My fiancé also found an interesting oxidized silver band for himself. Amber was the person who helped us through the entire process (we made several trips because I am indecisive). She was so patient and sweet, and she never pushed us or acted like her livelihood depended on our purchase. I was actually sad when I went to pick up my last ring because I felt it was like saying goodbye to a good friend! I recommend anyone who loves unique sustainable jewelry to shop at Melissa Joy Manning’s store. They totally converted me to a jewelry lover!

Unique, sustainable jewelry, and every piece has a one of kind feeling. I love the range available, from casual every day to custom high end pieces, and tons of stylish options in between. I always get compliments on my MJM on can’t wait to get more!

I love my small hoops with stones! They are gorgeous and I’m often complimented on them. I went in the other day, desperate to have the earring fixed (stone had become loose), and they informed me there was a wait for repairs. I needed them asap b/​c I had a male visitor in from NYC, and wanted to look my best, so they hooked me up and fixed it on the spot! Thanks so much MJM!!! Love you guys, and would buy up half our inventory if I could fit it into my budget. All pieces are gorgeous and special.

sooo beautiful. this store feels magical. you have to get buzzed in and the store is small. you can see the employees working in the studio. the store itself is beautiful and nature themed i think. a lot of very delicate jewelry which is my style, but i wasn’t in the mood to shell out money. sorry. however i saw hammered rings! cheaper than catbird’s which i think supplies a lot of stores. $ 25 each or $ 90 for 8. or $ 80 for 9. sorry i’m not sure anymore. i chatted with the sales employee who i think was melissa. very nice person.

I LOVE this business!!! Not only is the store beautiful in a raw, unique way (animal skulls juxtaposed with bright, brilliantly colored stones, and a collection of other beautiful, rare things), but the jewelry is STUNNING! And on top of that, this is a GREEN-​certified business!!! I am very picky about my jewelry and I love a good deal, but I never feel guilty buying their beautiful things. The jewels and stones are stunning, all the metals are friendly for the environment (a big deal!) and this shop employs all local artists — visible through a glass door, they all work in the back. Their delicate earrings are my favorite gift for my sisters and mother… I could easily and happily spend all my money in this place!

One Saturday my husband and I visited this store. Unique jewelry, I am a bit of a jewelry expert. There was a lot to look at and appreciate but the style is not me. For Valentines Lo and behold he bought me one of the diamond rock necklaces. Not me. So we took it back and he wanted me exchange for something. I didn’t really want anything. The same woman was working as the first time I went in the store. Not very attentive service and self involved. She couldn’t answer many questions. I didn’t find anything I liked. We couldn’t get a refund. So I walked out with so so earrings. I can’t believe an artist would force their work on someone. I buy jewelry from independent artists all the time via Twist Online, Sundance, Etsy, and individual studios, none would force you to keep a piece you didn’t love.

Very beautiful and unique jewelry. Jeorgea was the one who helped me and she was really patient and accommodating, letting me try on many pieces and even taking pictures of me with various pieces so I could decide. I ended up buying some beautiful hoop earrings w/​dangling semi-​precious stones and have received many compliments. When I have a bigger budget, I will definitely be back to buy more pieces. Already scoped out which ones that I want on-​line.

I finally had a chance to visit the Melissa Joy Manning store in Berkeley, and it did not disappoint! The space is very beautiful — spacious, light, & airy. The jewelry has a very organic feel to it. The lady running the shop was warm and friendly, and she was very good about being helpful without making me feel pressured to buy. In addition to Melissa Joy Manning’s own work, the shop carries Lauren Wolf and a French designer whose name I can’t recall. I really recommend this place to anyone looking for a non-​traditional engagement ring or just an unusual piece of jewelry.

Beautiful non traditional jewelry. All the gold is recycled gold and the jewels are conflict free. The environment is stunning without being stuffy. They let me bring in my gigantic dog and I got no attitude about looking at rings with my hunky girlfriend.

If I could go on a shopping spree anywhere I wanted, this would be it. Everything in this place– the metal work, the stones, the art and nick-​nacks– are completely unique, hand-​crafted, beautiful as heck and like nothing anywhere else. I only wish things weren’t so expensive, but I believe you get what you pay for here. Jewelry that’s made by a real artist who knows her craft very well. A true hidden gem!

Every piece in this store is absolutely gorgeous. My favorites are the ones with drusies that look like they were just plucked from nature then set beautifully in gold. My husband bought me a stunning, delicate Herkimer diamond necklace that I plan to wear as an everyday piece layered with my beloved grey diamond chain. The saleswoman is also lovely, so helpful and patient. She clearly loves the wares she sells. Can’t wait to go back to pick-​up another special piece!