ISSUE 19: Mellis Fine Has Good Taste
There’s a specific kind of intimacy in the jewelry made by Mellis Fine. It doesn’t come from overt sentimentality or grand statements, but from the quiet symbolism baked into each piece: a lock, a key, a gem chosen with care. These aren’t accessories; they’re tokens—meant to be kept close, worn daily, and layered into your personal myth.
What makes the work feel so special is its balance of weight and play. The pieces are solid—crafted in real gold, built to last—but never bulky or showy. There’s softness in the lines, a certain sweetness in the symbolism, but also a satisfying seriousness to how they feel on your skin. They don’t scream for attention. They settle in, as if they were always meant to be yours.
And then, of course, there are the stones. Tourmalines, sapphires, and garnets glint quietly from within their settings—each one slightly irregular, chosen not only for sparkle but also for personality. These are jewels with character.
Mellis Fine’s keys and locks aren’t just motifs—they're small, sculptural gestures toward connection. Toward privacy, secrecy, trust. A key as a promise. A lock as a keepsake. Together, they hint at something tender, something protected.
To wear Mellis Fine is to participate in a quiet ritual. You fasten the chain. You feel the weight. You carry the story forward.
GTW: What does good taste mean to you?
MF: When someone is really really good at making, curating, or has a good eye for a specific style. I don’t think a specific style (like mid century modern, organic) is “good taste”, but the act of understanding the basics of form, contrast, composition applied to any flavor of style - that’s good taste.
GTW: Who in your life do you think has the best taste?
MF: I really love Shea McGee and her team’s style. She’s built an entire brand being able to blend modern and traditional, each space feels intentional. I also think she has a great fashion sense! I’ve been really inspired in my own home by the way she designs homes.
GTW: Is there a specific object in your home or studio that brings you daily joy?
MF: I have a green marble tray with beige and caramel veining that I am absolutely obsessed with. I’m a neutral girl at heart so it fits my home decor style, but I also photograph my jewelry pieces on it and it’s just magical.
GTW: What’s the last thing you truly fell in love with—an artwork, an outfit, a space, a moment, a person?
MF: A trip last year to Chamonix, France. The hotel balcony had the most gorgeous, peaceful view nested between the mountains. It was the more romantic view I have ever seen and it’s basically seared in my brain.
GTW: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone developing their own taste or creative identity?
MF: Look at a LOT of inspiration and styles, don’t assume at first. See what keeps resonating with you when you have an impulse of ooo I like that. List it, save it, whatever you want to do. Then go back and look at the patterns. Normally you’ll find something repeated. Then go find an artist or designer that’s know for those things, observe and try your hand at it. You will not be a pro out the gate, play and practice. Everything is a skill, imo!
GTW: What’s a reference point you always return to—an image, a place, a material, a song?
MF: Hmmm.. textures. I’m a neutral lover, and I like versatility. Anytime something feels “plain”, sometimes a simple texture jazzes the whole thing up. It’s true of jewelry or an outfit, or interior design and completing a space.
GTW: Has your idea of beauty or style changed over time?
MF: Absolutely! Time is super precious. I want to be in spaces that make me happy, spend more time on things that make me happy. Lightweight routines, vibing in my house no matter the room. I started to care more about this in my late 20s, once I experienced more stability and wanted to invest in furniture and hobbies further.
GTW: Anything exciting coming up you'd like to share or promote?
MF: Oh gosh, I try to always bring things that are exciting. Most of the jewelry I make is 1:1 and off vibes, ha. I’m always making new things and equally excited to share every single piece. No two are the same! I just started dabbling into making cuffs though, that’s been really cool. So stay tuned for that.
GTW: What's your ideal day off look like?
MF: Coffee and a book on a sunny morning but a nice breeze. Do something creative - sketch new pieces, make something out of wax for a couple hours. I bring my tools outside when I can because the sun makes me happy! Then probably go for a run or walk. Then I become an absolute potato and rot my brain with reality tv.
This week’s goodies: Heirloom-quality pieces from Mellis Fine—solid gold, ethically sourced gems, and the kind of symbolism you want to keep close to the heart.
