Marnie, the visionary behind Marmalade Gardens, is redefining what it means to wear art. Her jewellery is more than just adornment—it’s a manifestation of personal stories, creative energy, and impeccable craftsmanship. We sat down with the designer to dive into her creative process, her inspiration, and the philosophy that drives her one-of-a-kind pieces.

Words by Lola McKimm

“My process always starts with an idea that hits me out of nowhere,” Marnie explains, the enthusiasm evident in her voice. “It’s like a lightbulb moment—sudden, unexpected. I sketch it out right away, and from there, I start playing with wax. Working in wax is magical; it lets me see the design come to life before I even touch metal.” Marnie’s method is rooted in the traditional art of casting: creating a wax model, making a mold, and then pouring molten metal into the mold to form a perfect ring or pendant. The magic happens when she refines the piece—filing, sanding, polishing it until it feels just right. “Once the casting is done, I make sure everything aligns—if I’m not vibing with it, I go back and start over,” she says. “It’s all about trusting my intuition. There’s no rigid formula. When the design clicks, it’s pure satisfaction.”

Custom pieces are where Marnie’s heart truly sings, and one project in particular stands out. “I created an engagement ring for a beautiful queer couple, a 9ct yellow gold signet with garnet, sapphire, and diamond inlays. It felt incredibly special to make something that symbolized their love. Knowing that it would be on their fingers for the rest of their lives was an honor.” She also designed a personal piece for her partner: a thick gold Wu-Tang signet ring, set with a lab emerald and diamond. “It’s a statement piece. I get to see them wear it every day, so it’s always top of mind. I love it.”

Marnie’s collections are intentionally small—each piece is carefully crafted with quality in mind, and that’s how she approaches her design choices. “My jewellery has to be wearable, practical, and most importantly, it has to make people feel good. If a design doesn’t hit all those notes, it doesn’t make the cut.” Her pieces aren’t just jewellery—they’re extensions of the wearer’s personality.

As for inspiration, Marnie’s sources are eclectic, from the archives of vintage fashion to her early morning walks in nature. “Fashion, particularly from the past, really excites me. But there’s something so grounding about nature. It’s a source of healing and clarity, and that shows up in my work. The act of creating is what drives me—it’s how I connect with others, and sometimes it’s just for myself. But it’s always fulfilling.”

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Marnie offers this advice: “Just start making. The more you create, the more you grow. Over time, your skills sharpen and your design identity comes into focus. And don’t get too hung up on your past work—there’s a tendency to want to re-do everything, but that’s part of the journey.”

With seven years of experience under her belt, Marnie’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. “I’m constantly learning—about myself, my art, and my craft,” - “That’s what keeps it exciting.”

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Yours truly, 

P / One