A vicar who designs and makes her own jewellery making has worked with The Birmingham Assay Office to develop her own hallmark.
Rev Mary Gilbert, vicar at St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter, has been making pieces for 10 years but earlier this year enrolled on a silversmithing course at the Midlands Art Centre (mac) in Birmingham.
The Rev Gilbert, who has been based at St Paul’s Church for six years, said: “I wanted to test myself with a new skill - so I tried silversmithing. It’s very exciting to have my own hallmark to demonstrate the quality of my products.
“I absolutely love being in the Jewellery Quarter among the creative industries, which is the perfect place for me to get inspiration for my designs. I’m constantly learning new techniques and looking at ways to develop my jewellery. Next I’d like to try making more intricate pieces.”
Her silver earrings and bracelets range from £15- £50.
Mike Mounfield, executive director for the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), said: “Mary is also one of many much loved characters in the Jewellery Quarter community and we are delighted she has her own hallmark.”
The Birmingham Assay Office on Newhall Street is the largest assay office in the world. It tests and hallmarks precious metal items as required by the Hallmarking Act.
The Rev Gilbert’s hallmark – MRG – is made up of her initials and will be engraved on all of her silver jewellery items.
