Congratulations to Melanie Morgan on her selection as a finalist in the 2020 Saul Bell Design Award! My wife and I first met Melanie years ago in Athens, GA when we were visiting Aurum Studios Gallery in search of the jeweler who would make our wedding bands. Her work spoke clearly to us as we browsed the shop and she happened to be in the back - the studio’s most prized bench jeweler. As clearly as her work spoke to us, her humble nature made for an immediate genuine human connection. We quickly became aware of her creative intuition and felt grateful we’d stumbled upon someone we could trust to make some important decisions.

Needless to say, the rings are perfect and it’s funny looking back because we really didn’t give much guidance for something we’d be wearing for the rest our lives. Melanie’s clear command of fine metals is incredible and her holistic approach in the design and creation of these forever objects made them much more than just objects and more like a talisman or Nkisi. It’s almost as though that because we met and connected, she was able to genuinely create rings that not only fit us physically, but metaphysically too. And it was clear that any work she creates possess this soul.

As time went on, we learned more about Melanie. She’s also a song writer so we went to a show, and instantly became fans of her music too. Somehow, I wound up playing drums in her band and Between Naybors.

We’ve stayed good friends and this February, Melanie came up for a visit. She wanted to finish that knife we had started years ago and it was truly eye opening to see how delicate a process can be. It reminds me that everybody has an approach to their craft that is unique to their perspective, their approach - where they are coming from. In that sense, it’s all about context.

Visit Melanie’s website!
Read about Saul Bell and the origins of the award.
Shop Aurum Studios *be sure to search for Melanie Morgan in their search bar*

Congratulations dear friend. You’re so deserving of this wonderful recognition!