Small Talk MELISSA KAYE

The fine jewellery designer on her love for enamel and layerable chains

Tell us about your latest collection, Ada.

This is our first chain collection. I’ve wanted to introduce a custom chain design to our clients for a while. Ada is unique, true to my brand’s aesthetic, and it looks great with all our signature finishes, including gold and enamel. What was most difficult when designing this collection? It took time to finalise a silhouette that had the right proportions and weight. Describe the Ada chain in three words. Bold, luxurious, substantial. What inspires you?

I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker and am proud to have lived here my entire life, with the exception of college. From the people and the pace to the architecture and art, New York City is a never-ending source of inspiration.

Why do you use enamel? While diamonds and 18-karat gold have always been the core focus, enamel was a medium

I had always wanted to incorporate into my designs. It offers a different textural element in an infinite range of colours. Enamel is fashion-forward, super-luxurious and fun. It takes some of the formality out of fine jewellery and gives our pieces a laid-back sensibility. If you could design jewellery for anyone, who would it be? Kamala Harris. If you weren’t a jeweller, what would you be? A professional boxer. What have you been doing this summer?

I recently got a new puppy, so we’re enjoying outdoor adventures together.