Julia Manheim studied at Middlesex University, then at the Central School of Art and Design from 1969-1972. She went on to share a studio with jewellers Nuala Jamison and Caroline Broadhead.

In the 1970s Manheim made rings and bracelets of silver combined with carved ivory, ebony or mother-of-pearl, of which there are three rings in the V&A collection. A turning point in her approach became evident in the early 1980s. Together with her avant-garde contemporaries she explored jewellery as body sculpture in non-precious materials. In her most acclaimed collection, 'Wire Wear', she explored the 'edges of where jewellery meets clothing' through body jewellery made of plastic-coated steel wire. More recently, she has turned her attention to sustainability in design and uses discarded paper, wood, wire and other materials to create both jewellery and sculptural and installation works.