Q&A with Celebrity Jewelry Designer Melinda Maria

We all love the jewels we see celebrities wearing on the red carpet, but in these economic times few of us are willing to dish out the dollars for these pieces.  Celebrity favorite jewelry designer Melinda Maria believes, “You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to look like a Million.” Her design philosophy is “to create beautiful, high quality that looks real, but is actually fine crafted costume jewelry.”  The result is stunning pieces that can be worn by celebrities on the red carpet or by anyone anytime they want to feel beautiful.

I sat down with Melinda Maria to chat about her captivating jewelry and unique concept.

Q: What is “Recession Proof” Jewelry?

MM: During the economic spiral, I decided to make my jewelry as affordable as I could without compromising the integrity of my craftsmanship and big designs. Thus, I made my line so that even in a recession people could buy a piece at a great price and fell like it is much more expensive than what they paid.

Q: Why is Jewelry important?

MM: Jewelry is very personal, for me I have always loved accessories, even in my home.  A bold chandelier dripping with crystals or amazing hardware on furniture or bold pillows on a clean couch.  I have always dressed that way as well.  Keeping my clothing more simplistic and wearing fabulous jewelry.  I guess I have a shiny object syndrome.

Q: You donate a considerable amount of time to charities and even craft pieces from your collection designed specifically to raise money for certain charities–tell me a little about that.

MM: There are a few reasons why I love designing for charity. First, people are buying a great piece of my jewelry and the proceeds always go to a good cause, you can’t beat that.  I also am such a believer in the power of spreading the word when it comes to charities.  When someone buys one of my charity pieces, it gets people talking about that particular cause and people love to wear a piece and tell a story of where their money went.  I have been very blessed in my life and it is my responsibility to do what I can to give back.

100% of proceeds from the CURA Heart Africa necklace go to CURA orphanage organization in the village of Cura, Kenya, a residence for children who have lost their parent to AIDS. The orphaned children range from ages 4-13 and CURA is a complete care facility which covers all the children’s food, clothing, education and most of all a place to call home.

Q: You have so many interesting and unique designs!  What inspires your collections?

MM: EVERYTHING can!  I just walk through my days with my eyes wide open because I can be inspired by so many things that I run into in my daily life.  I don’t just have to be in an exotic place–I could get inspiration from the produce section in the grocery store!  Shapes, colors,  and textures in anything can translate to art, so I am always looking.

Q: How difficult was it to create a line that is so beautiful with such quality yet affordable?

MM: I usually start with my limitless idea about a design and then I can tweak and translate that into something beautiful and affordable!  That part is really fun when we get it perfect knowing that so many people will be able to afford a little piece of Melinda Maria and feel good about buying it!

Learn more about Melinda Maria and view her entire collection at www.melindamaria.com or pick up some of her pieces at an INTERMIX boutique near you!

Melinda Maria wants to help get you red carpet ready! One lucky winner will receive a Melinda Maria Large Sun and Moon pendant necklace. (pictured above). Visit www.icanstyleu.com/blog and follow instructions on how to enter.