– Contemporary Artisan Jeweller –
Melanie Camoin is a French artisan jeweller and ceramicist based in Oamaru, on New Zealand’s South Island.
Born on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, her work is deeply informed by her cultural heritage and a lifelong connection to nature.
With a professional background in media and communication, Melanie’s creative practice has evolved through multiple disciplines, including photography, music, creative writing, woodworking, and wool felting.
These diverse influences now converge in her jewellery and ceramic work, where storytelling, material exploration, and craftsmanship meet.
Through her jewellery brand Secret Fern, Melanie explores humanity’s enduring relationship with the natural world and our ancient histories, interpreted through a contemporary lens. She draws inspiration from organic forms, textural surfaces, mixed metals, vibrant colour palettes, and the quiet beauty of patina—embracing what she describes as “perfect imperfections.” The landscapes, light, and traditions of Provence and the Mediterranean remain a constant source of creative influence.
Sustainability is central to her studio practice. Melanie prioritises recycled materials, minimises toxic processes, and continually researches more environmentally responsible methods. This commitment extends beyond the making process to include recyclable inner and outer packaging.
Each piece is designed and crafted by hand in an intentional, unhurried process. This slow approach allows space for reflection and grounding, fostering a deep connection between maker, material, and place.
Her work ultimately becomes a personal and universal reflection—objects created to connect, reconnect, and honour both ancestral roots and the quiet beauty of human existence.
Aroha