Tag: couture jewelry

  • Vintage Couture Necklace made with Victorian Calling card and vintage pearl beads by Marelle Couture #VintageCouture #Jewellery #MarelleCouture #CallingCard https://marellecouture.etsy.com

    In a world often enamored with the new, the shiny, and the mass-produced, I find myself drawn to a realm where time stands still. It’s a world of intricate details, rich histories, and undeniable charm—the realm of antique and vintage materials. For me, this world is not just a fascination; it’s a passion that weaves through every piece of jewelry, accessory, and fashion item I create. From the elegance of vintage lace to the allure of antique brass findings, each element tells a story, each creation a masterpiece of revived artistry.

    Model wearing the black queen costume handmade by Marelle Couture https://marellecouture.etsy.com  #costume #blackqueen #Marelle Couture

    At the heart of my philosophy is a deep-seated love for the past. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the allure of vintage jewelry, each piece a portal to a bygone era. This childhood fascination blossomed into a lifelong journey of collecting, exploring, and ultimately, creating. What began with a simple love for vintage jewelry soon expanded into a full-fledged affair with fashion, accessories, and the intricate world of vintage hardware.

    model wearing glass beaded hair combs made by Marelle Couture.

    “I have loved vintage jewelry since I was a child,” I reminisce. “Each piece seemed to hold a secret, a whisper of the past that begged to be heard. As I grew, so did my collection, and with it, my desire to breathe new life into these forgotten treasures.”

    My creations are far from ordinary; they are bold statements of individuality, each piece meticulously crafted to be a singular work of wearable art. From the avant-garde to the steampunk, my designs are as diverse as the eras they draw inspiration from. What unites them all is the careful selection of high-quality vintage materials, chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for the intangible energy they bring.

    Haute Couture Rhinestone, brass, n crystal statement necklace handmade by Marelle Couture. https://marellecouture.etsy.com  #statementnecklace #rhinestonenecklace #MarelleCouture

    “Vintage materials have a soulfulness to them,” I explain. “They carry with them the echoes of their previous lives, a history that becomes intertwined with the new narrative we create. It’s like giving voice to the silent stories of the past.”

    Among the treasures that find their way into my creations are brass findings that once adorned elegant dresses, delicate embroidery rescued from forgotten attics, and fabrics that whisper of grand balls and lavish soirées. Each piece is a testament to the craftsmanship of eras long gone, a celebration of the attention to detail and the artistry that defined a different time.

    Model wearing statement brass crown headband by Marelle Couture https://marellecouture.etsy.com #crown #brasscrown #handmadecrown #MarelleCouture

    “Sustainability is extremely important to me,” I emphasize. “In a world where fast fashion dominates, I wanted to create something enduring, something that speaks not just to the present but also to the future. By using vintage and antique materials, we’re not just creating beautiful pieces; we’re also honoring the resources that have already been expended.”

    Indeed, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of my ethos. By repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded, each creation becomes a small step towards a more conscientious future. It’s a way of honoring the past while building a more sustainable tomorrow—one exquisite piece at a time.

    Statement Bib Neck piece on the back of a model. Handmade jewellery by Marelle Couture https://marellecouture.etsy.com #statementneckpiece #bibneckpiece #MarelleCouture

    But it’s not just about sustainability or aesthetics; there’s a sense of magic in working with vintage materials. Each piece carries with it a sense of mystery, a story waiting to be discovered. From old cigarette tins that once held the dreams of their owners to weathered clocks that marked the passage of time, these elements add layers of intrigue to every design.

    “I love incorporating unusual items into my work. There’s something thrilling about taking an object that might seem ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary. It’s like alchemy, turning the forgotten into the unforgettable.”

    Model wearing halter made with antique hardware and vintage embroidered linen. Handmade by Marelle Couture. https://marellecouture.etsy.com #halter #upcycledfashion #MarelleCouture
    OOAK Halter made with Vintage hardware.

    For those who wear Marelle Couture, each piece becomes more than just an accessory; it’s a connection to a world of elegance and sophistication. It’s a nod to the past, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a statement of individuality. From the intricate lace that graces a collar to the shimmering brass that adorns a cuff, every detail is a reminder of the beauty that exists in the stories of yesteryear.

    “Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of wearable fine art,” I declare proudly. “It’s a labor of love, a tribute to the craftsmanship of the past, and a glimpse into a world where elegance reigns supreme.”

    Bride wearing statement rhinestone bib necklace handmade by Marelle Couture. https://marellecouture.etsy.com #bridalnecklace #rhinestonebibnecklace #handmadenecklace #MarelleCouture

    As the world rushes forward, Marelle Couture stands as a beacon of timeless elegance, a testament to the enduring allure of antique and vintage materials. In a single piece of jewelry or accessory, one can find the echoes of history, the whispers of forgotten tales, and the promise of a more sustainable future. For those who appreciate the artistry of the past, Marelle Couture offers not just a glimpse, but a tangible connection to a bygone era—a reminder that true beauty is timeless.

    In my hands, antique and vintage materials are not just relics of the past; they are reborn, revitalized, and ready to adorn a new generation of admirers. Each creation is not just a piece of jewelry or an accessory; it’s a story waiting to be told, a journey waiting to be embarked upon—a testament to the enduring allure of the past, and the timeless elegance of fine art.

  • As with many new beginnings comes the inevitable new Website.  Going thru so many amazing shots by some of the leading photographers in fashion and film.  How does one pick the perfect one for the first page?  The ones that will be in the slide show, the magazine review, even this blog.

    Here are just a few of my favorites for the website at the moment….

    So many more to consider and pieces that just lil ol me shot that I absolutely love as well…

     

    Well back to it, picking my top picks for my new site.  Au revoir pour le moment.

  • “Only One for the One and Only You.”

    Inspiration:
    My inspiration for this collection was to create Ethereal Angelic pieces to add to my Angel Series.  It was imperative that each piece frame the face beautifully.  Every necklace and headpiece I create is to be custom fitted as to compliment, not compete with one’s outfit or hairstyle.  Every piece is guaranteed to be one of a kind.

    Every piece I create, including this series, is inspired by the materials I am using.  I never sketch a design. Rather, I let the pieces unfold into an accessory of fine art.  I only use quality vintage trinkets and treasures so no two pieces are ever the same.  That was my biggest inspiration when creating my line….give new life to previously loved, vintage treasures.  It is true that an object holds onto the energy of its previous owners so great care is taken when acquiring these vintage treasures.

    Depending on the pieces I am using and the surface they are being adhered to determines what method I will use to attach them.  I often work on several pieces at one time.  Laying pieces of treasure, sometimes taking hours, deciding on just the right placement for my canvas.  Whether that canvas be a purse, hat, or an actual canvas.  I would suggest to any gal to experiment with a brooch, scarf, a little something to set your accessories apart. And always be up to trying on your jewellery in new ways. I’ve had people use my necklaces as head wraps. I guess what I would like to say is be you in every sense. Your fashion is a reflection of your fabulous individuality, so flaunt it!

    Marelle Couture

     

  • Faith in Marriage

    The wedding of Clare and Ciarán.

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    Just when you think you have figured it out.  When you realize the fairy tales of the knight on the white horse is just that, a tale.  You see the reality all around you….love is crowned as a mere accessory…..a ring followed by a marriage  that looks good on paper.  It is just a matter of time before the inevitable split of assets and dividing of time spread out on paper all for the sake of the children.  They are not like the fairy tales from our youth?  Then there are some that go by the same book of nonsensical  rules on how to land the partner you want.  Or, by happenstance,  chance, are they encouraged to wait, to hold out for the right one.  A Love so strong only God can provide.

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    I think back on how my Grandparents looked at each other with great tenderness.  They were far from rich but from the start of there love they were committed and greatly rewarded for it.  They survived the depression, oppression and the wave of modern ass backward thinking.  Through it all there loving gaze never wavered.  Theirs’ was a marriage built on faith and understanding.  I still hear the phrase in my mind when money was tight, my grandmother saying….”As long as you are able to pay your bills your doing alright.”  He a factory worker, she a seamstress so blessed with one another money never entered their Holy Union or dampened their devotion to their Love…

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    So where did that generation love lessons go??  How did we stray so far from what is real and what is impulse.  Who is dressing up the windows of our life these days?  Pretty Bridal reality shows on TV for all the world to see, and for what? Ratings?  And why are we buying into it?

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    I have been blessed to be an admittedly small part in many great tales of love thru my clients.  I am honored to hear how their romance formed, how they first met.  Grand is the word I would use to describe these romantic encounters.   It is an honor to create the keepsake of some of those great unions.  I sometimes wonder how it will all turn out.   I go through boxes and boxes of discarded jewelry from years ago.  Countless engravings of heartfelt sentiments wind up on the auction floor to be cast off to the highest bidder.  I can’t help but wonder why……img009

    Didn’t anyone find the sentiment of what those tokens represented or were they now looked upon as thorns quickly to be removed.  I still have and wear my grandmothers engagement ring, as seen in this picture around my neck.  It was a white sapphire given to my wonderful Grandmother with a promise of a diamond.  My Grandfather didn’t want to risk her getting away.  A promise he kept for he was always a man of his word.  That symbol of their love diamond was graced upon her finger but I find the first promise of a man’s love too deep to wait, for an object of consumerism to seal their future, more beautiful than any other piece of jewelry I own.  The ring  no longer holds a stone instead it hangs from a chain framing a cherub beautifully.  This seemingly understated charm necklace holds the love no one could break it went on as the precious circle the ring was meant to symbolize, love unending.

    As all objects from the past do, they hold on to the energy of the previous owner…

    So where did that generation’s lessons go??  How did we stray so far from what is real and what is impulse?  Who is dressing up the windows of our life these days?  And why are we buying into it?  If you look very carefully you sometimes get a glimpse of that type of true love today. I am not a die hard cynic or a negative thinker in any way.  In fact, just the opposite is true…I am a hopeless romantic.  I believe you never ever look for a man….  Rather, he finds you somewhere along the many roads along the way of life.

    Each and every piece of jewelry I choose and each precious gem I include has to feel just right. Its’ energy absolutely perfect for the brides I have come to adore.

    When designing Clares’ wedding neck piece, I labored many sleepless nights until it was just perfect for her blessed day.  Many hours are spent getting the neckline to lay just right. The flow of the pieces woven together in harmony.  Always considering the way the future bride will wear her hair.  I am framing her face and walking the fine line of complimenting not competing with her perfect dress.   I always ask what personal sentiments may I include in the piece.  What has meaning to you and your future betrothed ?  In all the years of creating custom Wedding Jewelry and all Custom pieces for various events…. only one, just one…..Clare, who answered that question most perfectly.  “Faith in God is most precious to my holy union.”

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    She was the first and only one to this day to ask that I incorporate a crucifix into her neck piece.  I felt such joy, for I had a container filled with many crosses to choose from.  Now I had the long awaited opportunity to open it.  I must also add that this particular neck piece was also one of the more challenging of many to make.  The weight had to be quite light and I was unable to obtain exact measurements.  It is also the first time I admitted openly that I may not be able to accomplish the piece Clare had in mind.  Upon her insistence…. I kept designing and redesigning styles….they were not quite what she was looking for.

     

    The wedding day was getting closer and the last thing I would ever wish is to cause a bride distress or even inconvenience on her special day.  I believe Clare knew the problem was the weight limit.  How could I create such a grand piece worthy of this most special union and make it very light.  I told her I am a woman of faith, and Clare gave me permission to just forget the limits do my thing.  I told her I would say a prayer and let God figure out the measurements and it will be just fine.  I’m sure Clare didn’t know how I acquired the same degree of faith she had, nor did I know how she acquired hers.  Her personal journey to this moment was one of great challenge and blessings along the way.

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    It all turned out beautifully in the end.  The neck piece arrived in time and the fit was precise right down to the centimeter.  A necklace made out of faith for a very rare couple and their marriage based entirely on that….faith and faith alone.

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    A more beautiful love story I have yet to hear.  For now I do know how and why Clare walks her days in God’s grace and she knows my story as well.  It was not until after her special day that we exchanged those details.  I don’t think we were suppose to before her wedding day.  After all this was a very rare, most grand tale, something barely seen these days.

    This was meant to be, blessed by God.  This was truly a marriage of love and faith……and they will live happily ever after of that I am sure.  It is my pleasure to have her permission to share small bits of her heart touching love story.  Some day soon it will be told fully in just the right Magazine.

    Marelle

    Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Paula O’Hara

    This amazing wedding has been featured on Love My Dress and here is the link to the wedding of Clare and Ciarán….

    The End….for now.

    Marelle

     

  • Salt has been used for many generations to ward off negativity and aid in protection. My Grandmother used it in this manner and was a devote Catholic. I just love this feeling of protection and I have small sachets hung on my doors to the outside of our house. You never know who is going to stop by and leave some draining energy. It is also used in prayer services by some devote Christians to ward off evil and cleanse a home.

    What ever your beliefs may be they are quite stunning. I usually create these one of a kind Amulets on a made to order basis. Simply contact me to get the process started and have a personal piece of jewelry that does more than just look pretty.  It is also used by many brides wishing to insure their special day and marriage be one of happiness and protection from all evil.

    I think they are just lovely and own a few myself…this one is my favorite.    il_570xN.290599176.jpg

    God Bless You All…..Marelle Couture

     

  • Statement Lion Charm n Chain Necklace. Antique Brass Lion Head Accessory. Adorned with vintage jewelry and chain. A bold statement piece for the Lion or Lioness at heart.   https://www.etsy.com/listing/203298887/large-lion-pendant-bold-brass-narnia?ref=shop_home_active_2

     

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    This head turner pendant measures 5 inches long by 2 inches wide and 1 inch high. The chain measures 24 inches long.

    **To see other lion pieces by Marelle click here…. https://www.etsy.com/shop/HopscotchCouture/search?search_query=lion&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search

  • To Catch A Plagiarist

    To Catch A Plagiarist

    I wanted to share some tips on how I keep track of what websites my pieces are on and how I have found a couple plagiarists.

    Maybe every month or so I search my name and shop name in Google and click images. If you scroll your mouse over each image the website address will show up at the bottom of the photo. If it isn’t one of yours then check it out. Many times it is just someone who likes your works and is innocently sharing the link to your shop. This is a good thing.  The more links the better.  😉

    I hope you never stumble across a site that is taking credit for your work. You would be amazed how blatant some people are. Remember, if it is true and you have proof that it is indeed your piece, you can speak up and out them. BE CAREFUL not to let emotion get the better of you and go on a rampage. Short and to the point….this piece is my work and here is the proof….that is where you can put the link to the item sold. The picture will show up even though the item is no longer in your shop.

    One last tip….if a potential sale feels wrong then Google the client. The internet is a vast source of information on everyone.  This is how I caught Bradley Scott Marlow blatantly taking credit for my work.  He had his attorney purchase his pieces for him.  The have both been reported and will have to face their actions.  Please keep in mind mail fraud and internet fraud is rapidly on the rise and patience is key here.  Simply move on to your next project…Thanks for the great photos Haliz Photography.  All of their websites have been shut down.   

     

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    I will be posting more tips when dealing with photographers, stylist, and any other people that wish to photograph your pieces…..What to do when they steal them or damage them….in the meantime, I recommend you not deal with Anna Jefferies, she has stolen many of my pieces, she too is awaiting her fate with criminal charges.   Theft is theft and the amount can be high enough to warrant Federal charges. http://annajefferiesphotography.com/  I also recommend you not do business with Christa Dickson…my pieces were shipped back to the UPS store not to me.  They were completely damaged and not one photo resulted from this endeavor.  https://www.facebook.com/ChristaDicksonPhotography.  What she didn’t anticipate is that the manager of the UPS is a very dear friend of mine and photographed the whole mess.  Again another one that is being dealt with. 

    No matter how much you look into these photographers, (I spoke with them on the phone, did checks on both of them) it still can happen.  The majority of the people I have worked with have been stellar and the experience with them was wonderful.  I have done multiple collaborations with some of them and formed some great friendships. 

    Don’t let fear stop you.  It is sadly a part of this business and if it was easily prevented you wouldn’t see so many high end knock offs. 

    Just keep going forward and do what God intended for you to do…..create. 

     

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    Formal Jewellery, Statement Necklaces,  Amazing One of  Kind Purses, Unique Fantasy Accessories, Vintage Art Jewellery Pieces, Avant Garde Statement & Steam Punk Accessories. Custom Orders Welcome. Headpieces, Bridal Necklaces, Jewelry Bouquets and Sashes. Keepsake Treasures all made from high quality vintage materials. No Two are Ever the Same.

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    Over 95 percent of all items in La Marelle Couture’s accessory line are made from previously loved, vintage treasures. They are chosen for their quality, appearance and the feel of the piece. It is true that an object holds onto the energy of it’s previous owners so great care is taken when acquiring these vintage treasures.

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    You feel the quality as soon as you pick your new piece up, the dimension and feel is exquisite.

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    Even the best photos don’t do these works of art justice.

    every piece is the only one of it’s kind in existence, a true keepsake piece.

    Hence the saying……Only One for the One and Only You…..Marelle

  • #GIVEAWAY …Shopping Spree   More details to come on my FB page

    THE BIGGEST GIVEAWAY EVER!!! A shopping spree!! My son had a fascination with the number 1111. He said he saw it all the time, on a clock, a sign, just randomly everywhere. He even had it tattooed on his arm. Since he has passed away, myself and others that knew him are also constantly seeing the number 1111 throughout the day. When we see it we all say Hello to him. So I was thinking that a giveaway shopping spree in the amount of $1,111 is in order.

    This one is open to anyone! Even if you English is not very good, you will have no trouble playing this game. What I can tell you is it will be a race to find the winning ticket, (so to speak). We have not set a date and want to give everyone time to get ready. Yes, this will be a ready set go!!! giveaway. I will also post the time the race will start and the time zone I am in. You will have to be ready so if your in another time zone, find out the difference so you can participate. Like I said this is the BIGGEST GIVEAWAY yet. A $1,111 shopping spree at Hopscotch Couture.

    If you should so happen to see the number 1111 during you day, please look up and say hello to my Korey.  Thank you.

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