Portrait of Michelle Nakata-Murray. Photo courtesy of M.Hisae.
M. Hisae [pronounced “hee-sigh”] is the jewelry portfolio of California-born, New Mexico-based artist Michelle Nakata-Murray. She is of Japanese, Slovenian, and Polish descent.
Michelle's practice centers around creating a visual and material form of ancestral language, tapping into both the known and lost parts of her lineage. Michelle's work is an exploration into a multi-cultural existence, Japanese art forms, her continuous spiritual study, and the abundant miracles in the cycles in nature. She sees jewelry as a powerful tool in honoring desire and utilizing beauty to heal wounds, recommit to oneself, and invite new visions of what's possible. Her commitment to ethically sourced gemstones is a natural extension of that philosophy, ensuring each piece reflects not only beauty, but responsibility and intention from origin to final design.
The Lila Suprima Ring in 14kt recycled gold. Photo by Morgan Burger.
"I love creating these little worlds of beauty to accompany you throughout your days. I know that at any moment, you can look down at a ring on your finger and create a moment of pause, of calm. These little moments add up. I've come to see with my own eyes that jewelry has the power to transform."
~Michelle Nakata-Murray
We asked Michelle a few questions so that you could get to know her even better!
Q: Can you share a motto, mantra, quote or verse that serves as a continual source of inspiration for you?
A: Seek beauty. I think beauty is such a powerful tool for creating a sense of safety and self-connection. I see something beautiful, and it immediately grounds me in my senses. It's become an integral part of my daily life and who I am.
The Kaori ring in 14kt white gold with teal Montana sapphires. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
Q: Why is having a positive impact through jewelry important to you?
A: I'm very purpose-driven, so no matter what craft I choose, I want there to be a lot of intention imbued in the work. Showcasing the Earth's treasures will always be at the foundation of what I do, but making an impact on the individual level is where I feel most of service. That includes working with ethically sourced gemstones whenever possible, prioritizing traceability and relationships with suppliers who share a respect for the land and the people behind each stone.
A piece of jewelry touches so many lives before it reaches the end client. It's really gratifying to be able to support people who take so much pride in the material or service they've worked for years or decades to build. Choosing ethically sourced gemstones allows that impact to extend even further, supporting miners, cutters, and suppliers who take pride in responsible practices and long-term sustainability. Combine that with this beautiful, tangible object that can bottle up a feeling or emotion, that can inspire a feeling of awe...this broad reach is what makes this craft so special.
The Mini Pebble Studs in diamond and 14kt recycled yellow gold. Photo by Morgan Burger.
Q: What’s your favorite gemstone and why? (If it’s too hard to pick one, what are your top 3?!)
A: Peridot! I've always been attracted to the color chartreuse. I see it a lot in nature. You don’t notice it as much when it's part of the whole, but when you isolate it, it's such a strange and otherworldly hue. I love how colors can morph depending on the context.
Santa Fe architecture glows especially beautifully at sunset. Photos by Chloe Beaumont.
We both recently visited Santa Fe, NM where Michelle is currently based, and could totally see why she was drawn to this area that is chock-full of beauty and inspiration!
The Portal Necklace in 14kt recycled yellow gold. Photo by Morgan Burger.
If only we had a portal to take us back to Santa Fe…..oh wait. We have the Portal Necklace, and that’s a pretty gorgeous reminder!
Michelle’s designs are elegant, classic and thoughtful with splashes of gemmy color mixed in, should you desire it. We greatly appreciate how she crafts pieces that are a nod to her own heritage, while still being modern and easy to style.
The Petite Risa ring with a bicolor Australian sapphire. Photo by Chloe Beaumont.
We’ve actually sat beside Michelle at a Tucson gem show as she painstakingly selected sapphires for upcoming designs; when she says she cares about responsible sourcing, she really means it—personally selecting ethically sourced gemstones that are traceable, thoughtfully mined, and aligned with her values.
Only gems that align with her values end up in her designs - good thing she has a knack for picking out ones that are not only traceable but gorgeous, too! It’s this dedication to ethically sourced gemstones that adds another layer of meaning to her work, giving each piece a story that goes far beyond its design.
We hope you’ve loved getting to know Michelle better and have fun shopping all her stunning designs HERE.
We can’t wait to keep adding more M. Hisae pieces to our collection, so make sure you’re subscribed to our email newsletter so you never miss a drop!