Mara & Us is a Melbourne based jewellery label that celebrates the raw beauty of gemstones in ranges of handmade rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. Each collection explores the natural world and how it can be reflected in adornment with meaning. The stones provide the inspiration and the wearer creates the story.
Raw gemstones become centre pieces for statement rings or become necklaces that hold the essence of ancient rituals and metaphysical properties. Jewellery is deeply personal and Mara & Us is for those who walk their own path.
Inspired by her Latvian heritage, designer and creator Anna Crawford-Brown, lets the organic shape of the stones start the design process. She is motivated to create one of a kind quality pieces. Anna loves to collaborate so a commission can be a long-lasting part of a wearer’s collection. Often a browse among the stones in Anna’s inner-city Melbourne studio will inspire a new piece or even a collection.
Anna left Melbourne as a teenager with a group of travellers on the St Andrews Market Chai Tent bus to Northern NSW bringing the travelling tea house to the North Coast community market circuit. Finding like minded people in the Rainbow Triangle, the area became home for 6 years whilst selling handmade jewellery in local Byron Bay and surrounding galleries and markets.
Wanderlust took over with work and travels through India, South East Asia and then living and working in Bangkok for an Australian grass roots travel company. All the time Anna collected beads and artifacts whilst absorbing the regional culture and beliefs and craft skills. “Travel has greatly inspired my creativity and experiencing local arts and crafts just gets me so excited. I love that traditions like these are passed through generations and makes me reflect on my own multi cultural background. I have been back to my heritage country of Latvia a number of times which has inspired me to source and work with Baltic Amber”.
Mara & Us has been part of the Melbourne markets circuit for 5 years which has been a highlight of the creative process. “I love being part of markets and meeting people who are attracted to my work. Finding out what moves people to try on and buy my jewellery is so exciting and inspiring to grow my range”. Anna has been a regular stall holder at the Emu Plains, Boho Luxe, Fitzroy, Eltham Twilight and Bourne Local Markets.
