Courtney Marama

Every aspect of Courtney Marama's design process represents a deep love and respect for nature, tradition, and her Maori heritage. Her magical hands transform gemstones she sources from her surroundings in New Zealand into personal talismans you will treasure for life.

The Jewelry Edit had the opportunity to talk to Courtney.

How did you come up with the name/concept for your company?

It's my name, Courtney and Marama is Te reo māori for Moon. Originally when I first started my business it was just called Marama Jewellery but I then decided to add my name to it to personalize it as I hand craft all of the pieces myself. 

Where do you look for inspiration when designing pieces?

Often the world around me, shapes, textures etc. And toi māori (maori art).

What are your favorite types of pieces to design?

I love rings, always have!

What’s your favorite type of material to wear/work with?

18ct yellow gold is my absolute favorite.

How would you describe your style?

Modern taonga (treasure).

Who/what are your biggest style influences?

Probably Toi Māori (Maori art and culture as I whakapapa maori, am a maori decendant) and geometric forms.

What was the first piece of jewelry you remember buying for yourself?

Oh wow, I am trying to remember. I really don't know. I worked at a bead store when I was younger so it was probably something I made there.

What’s the most special piece of jewelry you own? What’s the story behind it?

Probably my gold bangles I made which have the Carnelian beads which were tied onto my x2 babies muka pito cord tie (umbilical cord). The Carnelian beads were ocean tumbled pieces I found with my partner in the Coromandel here in Aotearoa.

What’s one piece of jewelry you wear often, that you can’t live without?

My bangles.

How many pieces of jewelry do you usually wear at any given time? What are they?

I'm terrible and don't actually wear much jewellery, I want to change this this year though and start wearing more! I wear a couple of gold ring bands, one with a Pounamu cabochon. A small gold chain, a Pounamu kapeu carving my partner carved, x2 gold bangles with carnelian.

 

What’s on your jewelry wish-list? 

Some sort of Austraian sapphire.

Why do you think it’s important for people to wear jewelry?

Adornment is wearing stories and memories. They hold such valuable and personal meaning.

What’s something people should keep in mind when shopping for jewelry?

Buy pieces that speak to you, that draw you in and have a story you connect with.

What draws customers in to purchase jewelry from your collection?