Melinda Maria's Luxe Gems Are Inspired by Marilyn, Liz, More

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

We're knee-deep in Weddings Week, which explains why we're ogling anything remotely nuptials-related—like celeb-faved LA jeweler Melinda Maria's luxe accoutrements. We're especially fond of the juice-loving designer's latest collection of feminine treasures, including some very giftable stackable rings that cost less than a Benjamin.

Inspired by "beach glamour á la Marilyn Monroe," the spring/summer range is priced from $68 to $845 and includes soon-to-be blogstar bestsellers like this stacking ring set ($128) and this delicate gold chain bangle ($48). Since we already know the former make-up artist is a lover of vintage clothing, we sat down with Maria to find out her favorite home decor shops, the inspiration behind her newest pieces and her best wedding advice for brides-to-be.

What's the inspiration behind your latest collection?
"I wanted my spring and summer collections to transport you away to a luxurious beach vacation. A place where there are no rules, where you can accessorize your bikini with jewelry! Throw on a silk sarong, some sling backs, stack up the jewelry and head out to a warm summer night. My last vacation was to the British Virgin Islands where I was layering statement necklaces with my bathing suit and flip-flops—it felt so fun and glamorous, but at the same time effortlessly comfortable. The collections have a lot of flashy gold with pops of beautifully-colored stones. They are bold, chic and feminine, a throwback to beach glamour á la Marilyn Monroe."

In general, who are your design muses?
"My muses tend to vary depending on my mood and the collection I'm working on. This season, I am inspired by classic Hollywood glamour—Marilyn, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor. These women were not afraid to pile on gold and diamonds. They always looked amazing, whether they were going to a black tie affair, to the beach, or the market. Well, actually now that I think about it, I doubt any of them spent much time at the market, ha!"

How have your designs evolved from your very first line?
"The heart of my design aesthetic is chic glamour and romance with a slight edge, and always with a sense of ease. With each new collection, though, I learn something new about texture, fit, depth, size and quality. Being a designer, I hope to always learn and grow, and to up my game with each new season. I never want to lose my drive to be the best that I can be!"


Taylor Swift, one of the designer's many fans, wearing this cocktail ring in gold labradorite

What was your reaction the first time a celeb was snapped wearing your jewelry?
"It was absolutely thrilling! At the time, it seemed to me that the whole world had stopped, and that everyone must know about it. Ha! Now I am blessed to receive notable celebrity press daily, but I still feel a lift of excitement when I see someone wearing my pieces, [though] some are more exciting than others."

We know you love to shop vintage, so what are your favorite interior decor boutiques?
"Tiles are my current obsession. Ann Sacks is incredible! I am currently touching up my kitchen, and the tiles I've added are truly pieces of artwork. I'm trying to talk my husband into retiling all of our bathrooms as well. I'm tile crazy right now! Waterworks is my go-to for bath fixtures and the most luxurious towels. My home is French Provincial and everything in that store feels like the ultimate European luxury; their bath hardware, robes, slippers— total deliciousness!"

What's your best advice for ladies who are getting hitched?
"My best advice to the bride is to be present and in the moment. It's only one day and it goes so quickly! Don't worry about the details of the napkins or the flowers, because none of that really matters. It's just about your spouse, family, and friends."
· Melinda Maria [Official Site]
· Jewelry Designer and Mom Melinda Maria's Cup is Half-Full [Racked]
· Where Designer Melinda Maria Scores Luxe Retro Treasures [Racked]