If you still haven't found the perfect Christmas gift for that special lady in your life, look no further.
Meet Martina, the creator of Marpesia & Co.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’ve been obsessed with pretty things since I was a child. My mother had given me this really sparkly red and gold costume jewellery to play with and that was it! The start of a life-long love affair.
My first degree is in Art History, and I’m always so happy that I took the risk and chose to read a subject that I care about. I really do believe that if you love something enough you’ll find a way to make it work for you. My Masters degree in Decorative Art and Design History from the University of Glasgow was when I began to see jewellery not just as something colourful and shiny but as an art form in itself. Living, mobile art, and we are its perfect showcase – it shows who we are and how we want the world to see us.
What is Marpesia & Co.
Marpesia & Co. is all about beautiful materials, colour, texture and attention to detail. My jewellery is one of a kind, which makes every piece extra special to me. I make simple, and statement jewellery and headpieces using a variety of materials – my favourite being Vermeil (sterling silver washed in gold), Pink Sapphires, Rock Crystal, Swarovski Crystal, Freshwater Pearl and Vintage Glass. I always have so much fun using feathers and flowers in my headpieces!
I love that people can come to me and know that there will be something to suit their style no matter what that style is. With prices starting at €20 and going up to the €150 mark there will always be something to suit everyone’s budget too.
When was Marpesia & Co. born?
In 2008 I worked within the Art Department (up until today always working on historical research, set dressing, props and coordination) on two films - "Agora" here in Malta and a short period film in Los Angeles, and I got “the film bug”. I knew there was no way I was going to give that up. I had to find something to do to keep me going when there weren’t any films.
I had been toying with the idea of going public with my things as opposed to just selling a few pieces from home for a while, so I set up an Etsy shop and a Facebook page and launched both on the 14th April 2012. I genuinely love what I make, and I thought it was about time I got out there a bit more.
Marpesia was the greatest Amazon Queen, and since my name is Martina and I’m really tall, the name just resonated with me. The “& Co.” refers to all the other fantastic women throughout history.
You can find Marpesia & Co. here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarpesiaAndCo
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/MarpesiaAndCo
Picture credits
Tiara: Vintage Glass, Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystal & Pearl, Czech Firepolish Glass & Goose Feather Flower
Necklace: Freshwater Pearls & Rock Crystal with Sterling Silver
Photography: Kurt Paris; Styling: Caroline Paris; Hair: Christian Galea; Make-up: Chantal Busuttil; Model: Beverly Tonna