INSPIRE | MARS

Mars speaks to the girl who loves an everyday statement. Her personality is defined by a multitude of idiosyncrasies, people can’t help but be transfixed by her. She stands out from the crowd yet doesn’t seek attention. She looks at everything through sparkly eyes and remains an enigma to many. She values loyalty and kindness above all else and is bold and unapologetic in her beliefs. She is like magic. Founder, designer and maker Holly Marbeck began her eponymous accessories label while studying fashion design in 2016. Since then, she has continued to develop a unique signature style that is organic, whimsical and distinctive. 

All jewellery is handmade to order by Holly in her Auckland studio. Each piece can take up to 3 weeks to become fully realised. Each piece starts off as a wax pattern which is then cast in recycled metal and soldered, sanded, polished. Grounded by an ethos of sustainability and ethical practice, the handcrafted nature of all Mars pieces leaves little room for waste, and ensures that no two pieces are the same.

WHERE DID THE DREAM BEGIN FOR MARS? WHERE DID IT ALL START?

Mars actually started sort of by accident, I was studying fashion at AUT and I made some earrings to go with an outfit, they were these little denim tassels I got a few compliments and started making some more. I always knew I wanted to work for myself and I’ve just always loved making things - I have this dream of a house where I've made everything in it... Jewellery just didn’t ever cross my mind as a possibility. I loved fashion but I was beginning to feel disillusioned by the industry, so I started an instagram page selling oven baked clay earrings (we’ve come along way) I don’t know how but it just kind of took off, after clay I started working with resin, while I was working with resin I wondered if I could make a pair of sunglasses, I ended up travelling to China and subsequently produced 3 styles of sunglasses. In 2018 I started focussing on sterling silver and gold pieces and when the pandemic hit I focussed in even more. I started off making sterling silver earrings then I added a few rings, started gold plating things and then started working in solid gold and gemstones. I'm mostly self taught, I've been honing my craft for the past 9 years and I’m constantly seeking out new courses or goldsmiths to learn more from so that I can keep challenging myself and the way that things are made. Last year I went to the London for 7 months and was based in Hatton Garden sharing a studio with some amazing goldsmiths which was such invaluable experience.It all really kicked off from there, and here we are today!

WHAT DO YOU OFFER AT MARS?

It's definitely changed a lot over the years but now I would class what I do as contemporary fine jewellery for the modern lover. I have a selection of made to order pieces online but the heart and soul of what I does creating bespoke jewellery whether that be reworking heirloom rings, engagement rings, bridal pieces, birthday gifts or 'just because' pieces.  I just love that jewellery while being something so superfluous, it often has no functionality, is something that becomes more sentimental and thus more valuable the more you wear it, it carries stories and memories it makes you feel strong/ safe/ loved, I can’t think another item that does that. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY?

Mars has only just taken its first steps into the wedding industry in the past few years, but I've shared a studio space with the incredible Alice of Hayes bridal for the past 4 years so have had a behind the curtain insight into the wedding industry for as long. It's so beautiful to work in an industry that is based on love, at times it can all seem very trivial, but to love and be loved is one of the most special things anyone will experience and I feel so privileged to be a part of that journey. To hear someones love story and to create a bespoke piece for the person they love is just such an honour and I can’t quite believe I get to say that this is my job.

ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHEN DESIGNING A RING WITH YOU, OR ANY TRENDS YOU LOVE RIGHT NOW?

This can seem like such a daunting process, have a think about what you or your partner normally wears and what you are initially drawn to, it can be so easy to become swept up in Pinterest and Instagram and confuse what you actually want with what you think you ’should’ want. Come in with a few ideas but stay open minded, every bespoke ring is different they are all handmade by me so there’s always room for adjustments and tweaks. And the beautiful thing about metal and stones is that if in years to come you decide you want a change we can re use the stones and melt down the metal to create something entirely new! I love how weddings are becoming less traditional, I think when you can feel that a wedding is so true to a couple thats just the best.

I've always loved the juxtaposition of hard and soft. I love making something hard and cold like metal appear bulbous and pillowy. I'm just obsessed with bubbley bulbous things.

ANY FUTURE GOALS YOU HAVE FOR MARS?

I feel excited by the direction that Mars is heading and so grateful and honoured that I get to be a special part of my clients love stories so hopefully more of the same!! I’m currently working on a new ceremonial sample range and will be travelling back to London later this year to source some stones for bespoke pieces. One of the main requests I get is to bring back sunglasses, I have a lot of brides asking for my Lotte style for their wedding day in particular, I'm considering bringing a very limited run back. Dont hold your breath but potentially later this year!