The maker

Meet Ann Maree

Sylvia Grace Jewellery is the work of Ann Maree Jago, who makes necklaces by hand in Auckland. She works with pearls, beads, colour and texture to make pieces that feel timeless without being too serious: made to be worn, loved and kept.

For Ann Maree, a necklace is more than something pretty. It can hold a memory, mark a moment or carry a little of someone's story. Every piece is put together by hand and made only once, so the beads and pearls stay the star of the show.

Ann Maree at her table by the window, threading blue beads from a tray onto a bead board — At the bench, threading beads for a new piece.

Knotted by hand

Pearls are close to her heart. Ann Maree strings them the traditional way, on silk thread, with a tiny knot tied between each pearl or bead. It takes time, but it's worth it. The knots let the strand drape softly and follow the curve of your neck. They stop the pearls rubbing against each other, and if a strand ever breaks, you won't lose a single bead.

A second life

She also has a soft spot for jewellery that has already lived a life. Old, broken or forgotten pieces often hide beautiful beads and pearls, and Ann Maree gives them a fresh start in new designs. Their history isn't lost. It becomes part of the new piece.

Traditional technique plus a little rescue work means no two necklaces are alike. Small differences in colour, shine and shape are part of the charm.

A painter's eye

Ann Maree paints too, and you can see it in the colours she puts together. The pink swirl in our logo comes from one of her canvases.

Her little helper

Ann Maree's grandson Fox laughing beside her as she works at a table full of bead trays — Fox, head of quality control.

Fox, Ann Maree’s grandson, is her most loyal helper. His job is choosing colours and inspecting the beads, usually by tipping the tray out. Ann Maree’s job is finding them again.

Beautiful things can last, and they can be made new again. Sometimes the most special pieces are the ones with another story to tell.