Melanie BarseMelanie Barse began her adventures in jewelry in her native Fort Worth, Texas, with a small gift store run with her mother, Nancy Barse Moore. Melanie’s natural ability to speak languages led her travels to Mexico, where she was one of the first people to begin importing sterling into the U.S. from Taxco, Mexico. As a twenty-something, Melanie would scout the best pieces and bring them back to sell at the store. But Melanie didn’t stop there. She knew she could sell her expertly culled pieces to others, so she partnered with her husband, Michael Gobril, to form Barse Jewelry. The name Barse is an artistic legacy. Melanie’s great uncle, George Randolph Barse, is a renowned American artist whose work is displayed throughout the nation, including the Library of Congress.Melanie’s intrepid style and eye for jewelry led her to begin importing world-round, and the business grew to be a successful global import company. Soon, her energetic travels led to Asia, where she discovered the rich culture and opportunities in beautiful Thailand. She quickly adapted to the Thai language and saw the opportunity to create a factory where she could design and produce her own trend-driven pieces. Her Thailand factory now employs more than 250 people; most are skilled artisans, expert lapidaries, and master mold carvers who have been with her for years. Melanie often works with miners to cull opaque stones that are cut specifically for Barse designs, further distinguishing her pieces from designers who use pre-cut stones. Melanie’s factory also utilizes the age-old practice of lost-wax casting, allowing for the rich, flawless details found in Barse jewelry. It is rare in today’s jewelry market to find a designer that does not use “stamped out” methods of production, and the quality shows in Barse Jewelry.The designs that Melanie’s factory produces come from the team she leads in Dallas. Her product development and design teams are on the forefront of fashion and trends for each season. Trend meetings, runway shows, and frequent visits to fashion meccas like New York and Paris are all on Melanie’s plate.The Barse BrandBarse Jewelry includes designer sterling silver, bronze, copper, and silver overlay with a focus on opaque stones, especially through custom cuts and placements. Every piece designed bears an unusual detail, revealing the special touch Barse fans love. With Melanie leading her design team, and her own factory, she can bring her fresh collections to life, with uncommon usage of stones, custom cuts, and placements that create a look like no other.
