For some people jewellery is about picking up a few high street pieces to jazz up an outfit. But for some jewellery is about one off pieces, expressing your personality and being unique.
Having come across Maria Allen I am impressed by her unique, quirky product range and their affordable price tags.
Necklaces are priced from £11 for a popular wayfarers design to £38 for sterling silver charms. Designs include a miniature coffee pot, a retro Punch and Judy stand and a delicate pocket watch. Mid-priced items include tiny teacup charms, an antique gold masquerade mask and some fantastic vintage lockets.
I have fallen in love with the fine china cocktail ring and wish I’d seen it before my recent birthday! The goldtone button features a floral porcelain centerpiece – absolutely stunning and a snip at just £10.
Maria Allen, 20, is a graphic design student at Brighton University. She started making her own jewellery in the summer of ‘08 when she couldn’t find affordable unique pieces.
‘Friends would ask me to make something for them, then friends of friends, etc. I opened an online shop, and it went from there really.’
Maria started by scouring the antique shops in the Brighton Laines for inspiration and unique charms. She now sources charms from all over the world and spends hours looking for the perfect pieces.
Born in Moscow, Maria lived there until she was 5 when her mother married an Englishman. She says: ‘we moved over here 15 years ago, and I have never felt the need to leave Brighton! I love the creativity and opportunities here.’
As well as online the jewellery is sold in over 40 boutiques worldwide and she takes part in fashion shows in London and Brighton several times a year.
You can see the full range for yourself on her website www.mariaallen.bigcartel.com where you will find links to her blog and twitter.
If you’d like to view, touch, try the items for yourself you can find her at the ‘Fabulously Vintage Fashion Fair’ on 24th January at Hove Town Hall, Art Junky on Sunday 31st January at the Phoenix Gallery and Frock Me! At the Corn Exchange on the following dates: 28th Feb, 25th April, 6th June, 24th Oct, 28th Nov.
Written by Helen Ruff
