Melindesign Jewelry Outsource

by Melinda O'Keefe
(Melindesign)

Melindesign
Jewelry Assembly Studio

I run a small jewelry assembly studio in Westchester County (Hudson Valley region), NY, about an hour north of NYC.

I started as a jewelry designer and moved into jewelry assembly by helping a friend fill an order - and found my true calling.

I taught classes on wire wrapping and assembling at craft guilds and adult continuing education classes.

I approached other jewelry designers at retail shows and offered my help to them as well.

At first they were a little hesitant but once I did their first orders, they loved my work and by reputation and word of mouth, I got more referrals and settled into my business of jewelry assembly.



Earring by Melinda of Melindesign Jewelry Assembly -
angel cast in sterling silver, then plated in 22kt gold;
wire-wrapped apatite briolette.

At first I would meet designers at their studios and perhaps work with them in their studios to build a trust that would eventually lead to me being able to take the work and materials home.

Now everything gets shipped to me - the jewelry sample, directions, the materials to make the pieces.

I return all completed pieces and materials.

I've become quite proficient at wire wrapping - I'm an expert at it!



Melinda's work desk.

And now I have 4-6 part time employees that each have their own specialties to bring to the table - soldering, metal forming, free form wire wrapping, etc.

Our emphasis is making each piece of jewelry by hand, perfectly, whether it's one piece or a thousand pieces.



In Melinda's studio, a huge jewelry assembly order
is ready to go out.

I'm pleased to be able to offer this all done in the USA, and to be able to employ people in my community.

All the work is done by women who work all different days around their schedules, and my son who is 16 and quite the expert at chain cutting!

My husband, Michael, is the computer whiz and when he designed my website and got it going live, that's when my Melindesign jewelry assembly business really got the professional edge it needed.

On my website I describe all the services, and now I reach a wider audience, giving jewelry designers a way to find jewelry outsource in the United States without having to go overseas.

We offer help in techniques as well, and help designers to improve the construction of a piece in ways that they may not have been aware of. Basic techniques aren't secret and should be shared.

Which is what I discuss in my blog. I try to reassure designers that when their jewelry business is growing by leaps and bounds, it's okay to seek the assistance of a good, trusted team.



Every job is on the timer!

We know that there is a lot of contention of what is hand made and what is made by the artist's hand.

We follow the client's vision and direction, and carry out their orders to their specs. We take pride in helping fellow designers and get great satisfaction seeing their businesses grow and expand.

On my blog I also discuss jewelry hints, shortcuts and organization tips. And I give shout outs to those in the jewelry community that strike my fancy as well.

I am in awe of what these amazing, creative people come up with and I'm just pleased as punch to be able to help!

Melinda O'Keefe
Melindesign - Jewelry Assembly
Jewelry Assembly Chicks blog