Jeweller and designer Julia Marin. Image by Sacha Stejko.
Julia Marin is a jeweller and designer who has been creating custom contemporary fine jewellery from her Piha-based studio since 2014. Originally from Argentina, where Julia studied fashion design, she moved to New Zealand in 2008 and her eponymous label is an elegant reflection of her minimalist style. Each of Julia Marin’s pieces are made to order and are carefully handcrafted utilising recycled and reclaimed materials whenever possible and ethically sourced gemstones. The result is contemporary jewellery that is designed to be cherished and will stand the test of time.
We caught up with Julia to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
I specialise in custom work with a focus on sustainability creating pieces based on my clients’ visions, blending their ideas with my aesthetic characterised by ‘minimal and effortless meet elegant and comfortable’. The most recent pieces carry amazing stories of jewels that were passed on to the next generation, where we repurposed the metal and the gemstones to create future heirlooms.
I also make small groups of limited edition work that retail through my stockists and as a self-identified ‘slow designer’, I always have ideas in the back-burner. At the moment, I am working with ‘pearls and rituals’.
What made you become a designer?
Genes and curiosity. I come from a family of artists and teachers, I grew up in a very creative environment. Fresh out of high school (I suppose being a bit rebellious) I became a law student, but it didn’t take long to be pulled back into a creative path and while still in my 20s, I shifted my focus to Fashion Design. As a design student, I came across jewellery and I was instantly hooked by the medium, which sparked that search for innovation and idea development. Metal, precious gems and fire, that was it!
Jewellery by Julia Marin.
What inspires you?
Art, nature, architecture, people and their stories, materials themselves.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
My personal style is effortless, I prefer plain colours over prints, although I love stripes and I always try to find a nice accessory for accent. In my designs I take a similar approach and I try to work with a series of characteristics that reflect that effortless feel and combine it with a touch of wow. Minimal yet bold, effortless yet elegant.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
It was a beautiful heavy leather bag from Country Road, that sadly was stolen when my house was burgled a few years ago. But in a close second comes my burgundy Dr Martens, I will wear them till the end of times.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Good shoes.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Less is more.
Jewellery by Julia Marin.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have to say that as a custom jeweller, I am very lucky to work with clients that are often celebrating a beautiful time in their lives and being able to witness their happiness and encapsulate that moment in a piece of jewellery is extremely rewarding. That is definitely the highlight of my work. Recently, I’ve also started teaching, which gives your craft a total new dimension. Helping the younger generation of designers and makers take their first steps into their creative journeys is very special, and I would say definitely a new highlight for me.
What can’t you live without?
Nature, I need to be surrounded by nature.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Pink! Sorry lovers of the hue, not my thing.
Images by Sacha Stejko and supplied.