We first came across Mari about 9 years ago when we were looking for someone to design and make a special bracelet for our daughter. Mari’s understanding of what we wanted and her passion for her craft shone through, and that bracelet became the first of many pieces that we have bought
from Mari over the years. Special birthdays and anniversaries have all been marked by a trip to Llandeilo and a return journey with a special gray box!
In 2021, Ann was elected as the first female Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners in the City of London, a City Livery Company that has been in existence for over 660 years. We thought we should commission a special piece of jewellery to mark the event, and naturally, we turned to Mari. There was one other special request : Over the years, Ann had been left a number of items of jewellery that she never wore, and it was our idea to try and recycle these into the new piece, including some gemstones from family pieces such as my late mother’s engagement ring.
Mari came up with the idea of a necklace echoing the themes of vines and bubbles - so closely linked to the Vintners’ Company. She and her team worked hard to incorporate the 3 types of gold and different sized diamonds into the design, and when we finally saw it, we we thrilled at how perfect it was, embodying Ann’s personality, the sense of occasion and Mari’s exquisite craftsmanship. Every time Ann wears the necklace, she gets comments on how beautifully it sits and how fascinating to have a piece that reflects so much family history.
Ann and Keith Hill
