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West is Best: Mari Thomas Jewellery

21 Oct, 2024

Based in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Mari Thomas Jewellery is at the forefront of innovative and ethical jewellery design. With a mission to create timeless pieces that reflect personal stories and the rich cultural heritage of Wales by using sustainable and recycled materials, It has been a remarkable journey since establishing her first workshop in 1998. 

Mari has received numerous prestigious commissions from leading cultural institutions such as BBC Wales, National Eisteddfod of Wales, National Library of Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like Vogue and Tatler and exhibited internationally in major cities including London, Tokyo, and New York.

In recognition of her contributions to the arts in Wales, Mari was awarded an honorary fellowship from the University of Wales Trinity St. David and has created bespoke pieces for notable Welsh public figures such as HRH The Prince of Wales, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bryn Terfil and Michael Sheen to name but a few. 

As Mari Thomas Jewellery continues to grow and innovate, we caught up with Mari to see how she thinks being part of the Global Welsh network could help her in future.

What benefits do you think being part of the Global Welsh network will bring to Mari Thomas Jewellery?

“I hope that by becoming part of the GlobalWelsh network becomes a key contact for us in the future as it connects us with a global resource pool and knowledge base that significantly advances our mission. The network provides a great opportunity for our story to be shared worldwide in a trusted environment amongst Welsh diaspora.

The Global Welsh Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion Connector Hub is an important ally. The platform engages the Welsh diaspora, opening doors to invaluable networks, expertise, and potential investments. The Connector Hub, part of Arsyllfa, provides crucial support for businesses in the region by connecting them with global resources and knowledge bases.”

How does the talent in the region contribute to the company's mission?

“The region and the country offer a well-educated, enthusiastic and creative talent pool eager to create, contribute and innovate. It is essential to provide such talented individuals with the platforms they need to excel, and to support our mission of creating meaningful and ethical jewellery.

We support a growing collective of artists by displaying, promoting and selling their work both in a dedicated space within my gallery and online on my website. I aim to give them a platform where they are able to be seen by a wider audience in order to grow their reputation and their businesses."

What do you see as the key challenges in Carmarthenshire, and how can diaspora engagement help address them?

“Key challenges include financial constraints and limited local market reach. Stronger engagement with the Welsh diaspora can attract investment and new market opportunities, which are essential for addressing these challenges effectively.”

What makes Carmarthenshire an ideal location for businesses like Mari Thomas Jewellery?

“Wales offers a unique blend of cultural richness, affordable living, and a supportive community. These factors, coupled with the backing of global networks like GlobalWelsh, position Carmarthenshire for significant growth, making it a prime location for innovative businesses like ours.”

In what ways does Mari Thomas Jewellery contribute to the local community in Carmarthenshire?

The company champions local, National and international charities, such as Angor, the Jack Lewis Foundation, the King’s Trust, Aloud, Peace Mala, Shelter Cymru and Amnesty International, by selecting a few each year to support.”

In addition to our charity work, we have a significant environmental initiative. With every purchase made on our website, a portion of the sale goes towards tree planting and community restoration projects in partnership with Ecologi. This effort helps to restore and revive the planet, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

We are dedicated to educational outreach, providing mentorship and workshops. Mari often engages in educational activities as a visiting lecturer and role model for entrepreneurial initiatives, helping to encourage local talent and a deeper understanding of craftsmanship.”

Mari Thomas Jewellery exemplifies how businesses can leverage global networks for regional benefit via GlobalWelsh. For more on Mari Thomas Jewellery and their exquisite collections, visit the website at www.marithomas.com and if you’re a business in Carmarthshire of Ceredigion and want to know more about being part of the GlobalWelsh Connector Hub, get in touch with us at post@sgema.cymru or visit Arsyllfa for more information. 

Image reference: 18ct gold ring set with a 1.20ct natural oval diamond surrounded by a halo of diamonds.

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