Marisa Arna’s jewellery studio in Thorpe-le-Soken, near Frinton-on-Sea, in Essex, has become the place to visit for unique pieces of contemporary jewellery
Greek-born Marisa was originally known for her hand-thrown fine porcelain, which she sold through her studio and galleries in the UK and abroad.
Marisa has been exclusively a designer-jeweller since 2007. She creates her collections at the same studio, which also has a jewellery gallery on the same site. She has been honing her goldsmithing skills to create unusual, wearable jewellery with a timeless appeal.
A combination of traditional, hand-making techniques and modern technology and, of course, Marisa’s own distinctive style makes her jewellery easily recognisable.
She uses texture and different colours in gold and sterling silver to create a contrast with an understated style; the designs are never over the top, the colour combinations of the stones always harmonious.
A more recent addition is platinum, which Marisa also works by hand, despite its labour-intensive nature due to the hardness of the precious metal.
Marisa chooses ethically sourced, beautiful coloured gemstones and sparkling, top quality diamonds which she sets herself, in her studio; Marisa has trained in stone-setting in Antwerp, Belgium, a world class center for diamonds. Being able to set the stones herself, gives Marisa more freedom and flexibility in design.
Marisa is constantly inspired by new ideas and techniques, which eventually become another new collection or a single special piece. Her jewellery can be as modest as a tiny pair of stud earrings or a spectacular necklace for a special occasion or a special ring.
She is happy to work on commissions. Engagement and wedding rings are possibly the most important pieces of jewellery one may ever wear. These rings are chosen to reflect one’s personality and lifestyle. Couples who are drawn to Marisa’s distinctive and individual but very wearable jewellery as their choice for engagement or wedding rings are welcome to visit the studio and discuss the design with her.
She will help and advise them chose gemstones from her collections or she can source the stones specially from trusted suppliers. At the first appointment, Marisa will interpret their ideas into a design.
Then she will apply her goldsmithing skills to create a piece of jewellery that will be one of her creations but with the clients’ contribution of ideas and their approval. Following one or two fittings Marisa will have created a ring that is as unique as the person who will wear it.
On the other hand, a commission could be the remodelling of a much loved but tired-looking old piece of jewellery, maybe even broken and in bits.
Marisa will give it a new lease of life after melting the gold and possibly re-using the original stones, to create a new piece. An inherited gemstone, or one purchased while on holiday, can be incorporated into another piece of jewellery, which will, itself, become an heirloom of the future…
Marisa offers a comprehensive post-sales service. For more details please get in touch. Her jewellery can be found at the on-site gallery and on her website.
The Jewellery Studio and Gallery are open to the public but please be aware this may change depending on government guidance
There is something special for everyone, from a small gift to an extravagant treat, including work by other small-scale jewellery designer-makers who, like Marisa, are based in the UK.
Appointments are advisable if you are interested in commissioning Marisa to create a piece of jewellery for you. You can also have an online meeting, if getting to the studio is not convenient.
There is a brand new website and on-line shop coming. Subscribe to Marisa’s newsletter on the current website, to be the first to know when it launches and to take advantage of exclusive to subscribers offers.
Marisa Arna Jewellery Studio & Gallery
High Street, Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, CO160EA | 01255-862355 | studio@marisaarna.com
Instagram: @marisaarna
Facebook: @marisaarnajewellery
