Thank Hockey for Dallas’ Newest Jewelry Designer

Being married to a professional hockey player has its perks. Staying in one place is not among them. Melanie Auld, wife of Dallas Stars backup goalie Alex Auld, has lived in six cities in five years. But she has made the most of it, drawing inspiration from the cultures of each city for her line of accessories. That has paid off with the mother of all endorsements: on the January cover of O, Oprah Herself wore two of Auld’s rings—one white topaz, the other hammered gold.

The 29-year-old began making jewelry after she took a metalworking course in Vancouver six years ago. “I could never find the type of jewelry that I was looking for,” she says. Her line is classic yet unique, and pieces range from $60 to $550. “I like to keep the collection pretty, with pieces that will be able to stand the test of time.” The line is produced in Brazil, and Auld works mostly with semiprecious stones, sterling silver, and vermeil. She says her latest collection, Skins, is a little “outside of the box” for her. It features snakeskin accents on earrings, bangles, necklaces, and rings.

Two years ago, Auld began designing handbags, too. With Italian-imported leather and hardware, the bags are designed with fashion and function in mind (the mother of a 2-year-old is on the go). They range from $180 to $475. Her personal favorite is the fringed Trewin (above). The boho-chic bag debuts this month at market, along with quilted and snakeskin embossed flat bags, totes, and clutches.
For now, she has no plans to make men’s accessories, although her husband has shown interest. “Who knows? Maybe when hockey is over, Alex will design some men’s jewelry for all the guys out there.”