Meet Melody | Owner & Artist at Houston Tooth Gems and Fortuitous Fine Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melody and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melody, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly, I never set out with a business plan or a blueprint — I just followed a passion that turned out to be surprisingly contagious. I come from a fine jewelry background, and I wanted to bring that same energy and craftsmanship to my tooth gem obsession. Tooth gems are fun, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel like fast fashion. People value quality — but even more, they value connection. That’s what has made Houston Tooth Gems a success: real relationships and real trust. Every person who walks through my door is a potential friend, and I’m honored they trust me with something as personal as their smile. Watching someone go from hiding their teeth to lighting up the whole room — that’s the magic. That’s why I do it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At the heart of it, my art is about helping people feel proud of who they are, whether that’s through a diamond tooth gem or a one-of-a-kind piece of fine jewelry.

I started doing tooth gems for fun 12 years ago and never expected it to turn into a real business. Back then, there was no real road map, so I spent a lot of time researching — reading dental board regulations, digging into scholarly articles on oral health, and learning everything I could about product safety. It’s not the glamorous part, but it’s played a huge role in how I work today. Health and safety have always been non-negotiable for me, and it honestly makes my day when a dentist compliments how well a client’s gems were applied.

Over time, I’ve carved out a niche with high-end tooth gems. Designing and fabricating gold and platinum shapes, and setting diamonds and gemstones by hand allow me to bring almost any client’s idea to life. I love a challenge, so custom pieces are always my favorite part of the job.

I really believe you get out what you put in — and that’s been true every step of the way. I’ve worked hard to earn trust and respect, and I still feel incredibly humbled whenever someone travels from out of state to see me or when I recognize a celebrity’s name on my booking calendar. Moments like that remind me just how far passion and persistence can take you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite thing to do anywhere is eat and Houston has no shortage of amazing restaurants. I’m an East End girlie, so we’d start the day with pastries or tacos from La Reynera on McKinney at least a couple of times. We’d also have to hit the 11 a.m. BOGO kolache happy hour at The Kolache Shoppe on Richmond. Their cream cheese kolaches are my favorite.

After all those carbs, we’d need a good walk so we’d head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to check out the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. It’s one of my all-time favorite places in the city. It’s well air-conditioned, and I could nerd out on the gemstones all day.

Back on the East End, we’d stop by my studio and say hello to our friends at Battle Royale Tattoo, then grab a craft beer next door at Equal Parts Brewing. For dinner, we’d keep it casual with Voodoo Queen or Moontower Inn.

If it’s baseball season, we’d definitely catch an Astros game. And if we’re feeling fancy? Nancy’s Hustle followed by a night at the Houston Ballet or Symphony would be the perfect way to close it out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Can I give two shoutouts?

First, to Miss Rockwell DeVil from the San Francisco Bay Area. She gave me my very first Swarovski tooth gem back in 2012 during a Houston pin-up shoot and I was instantly obsessed. More than that, she showed me it’s possible to build a life around your passions. She’s a brilliant makeup artist, model, designer, and burlesque dancer — and her creativity and confidence made a lasting impact on me.

And second, to my husband Keith, who encouraged me to pursue jewelry as a career nearly 20 years ago. He’s had more faith in me than I’ve had in myself at times, and I feel so lucky to have such a supportive partner who indulges my artistic whims — and my constant desire to rescue every ancient chihuahua I see.

Website: https://houstontoothgems.com

Instagram: @houstontoothgems

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/houstontoothgems