Our Story

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Rupert’s fascination with gemstones, hallmarks on gold and silver, and all things shiny began in childhood. Having lived in many countries around the world, it was during his time as an 11-year-old living in Oman that his love for collecting geodes was sparked. An encounter with a gem-cutter in the bustling Muscat bazaar ignited a lifelong passion. “I remember being fascinated by these uncanny rocks—when you cut them open, a vitreous rainbow of colours is revealed, hidden within their inconspicuous exteriors.”

Geodes are natural wonders formed when mineral-rich water seeps into rock cavities. Over time, this water deposits layers of crystals, creating dazzling formations that lie hidden until uncovered. This magical process mirrors the joy of discovery we feel when unearthing beautiful vintage and antique jewellery.

 Rupert has completed the JET1 Certificate and JET2 Diploma through the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and has over 5 years of working in a traditional jewellers that specialises in vintage and antique jewellery under his belt before the inception of Dear Mary

The JET1 Certificate provided a solid foundation in jewellery, covering essential topics such as precious metals, hallmarking, gemstones, and jewellery manufacturing. It also strengthened his ability to guide customers through their purchases with confidence and expertise.

Building on this, the JET2 Diploma took his understanding to a more advanced level, delving deeper into gemstone identification, valuations, and the technical aspects of jewellery craftsmanship. This qualification refined his ability to assess pieces accurately and provide informed advice to clients. One of his projects during these studies even earned him a Clarity & Success Award, recognising his dedication and commitment to the trade.

Rupert is currently furthering his expertise by undertaking the Foundation in Appraisal Practice (FoAP), also through the NAJ. This intensive 12-month programme focuses on professional jewellery appraisal, covering valuation principles, market analysis, and ethical appraisal standards. Through in-depth training and assignments, he is developing the skills to accurately assess and value jewellery, ensuring his clients receive informed and trustworthy valuations.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world in Botswana, Chloe was obsessively collecting antique lockets and rings. Her passion for craftsmanship and design was evident from a young age. With a keen eye for styles, trends, and quality pieces, she naturally gravitated toward jewellery that stood out—not just for its beauty but for its history and significance.

"Together, we share a lifelong passion for gems and jewellery. This shared interest, along with our meticulous attention to detail, has made our dream of curating a collection of exceptional pieces a reality. We absolutely love sourcing the finest jewellery we can find, and we are incredibly selective about what makes it into our collection."

Chloe’s insistence on building a strong brand identity, centred around high quality high purity gold hand-made antique favourites, played a key role in launching Dear Mary into a successful endeavour. The starburst ring style—an elegant Victorian and Edwardian design—has become one of our best sellers, thanks to her instinct for what resonates with collectors. Her keen eye always catches the nuances and details of each new piece that comes in, ensuring that only the most remarkable treasures find their way into our collection.

Beyond curation, Chloe has been unwavering in her commitment to sustainability. Her insistence on keeping all things renewable extends from the jewellery itself—each piece being repurposed, recycled, and, in some cases, even saved from the melting pot—all the way through to the finest details of our wrapping and packaging. Every element is recyclable, with no microplastics in sight, ensuring that our love for jewellery goes hand in hand with a deep respect for the environment.

Our story is about more than jewellery—it’s about discovery, craftsmanship, and a shared love for treasures that stand the test of time.