Introducing our Team – Marianna Learmonth
In the first of a series of blogs showcasing our team, we’re delighted to introduce Marianna Learmonth, our newest Jewellery Specialist. Currently studying gemmology, Marianna has a longstanding passion for vintage and antique jewellery.
A Background in Art & Jewellery
While studying painting and ceramics at Sydney College of the Arts, Marianna began working for Vinnies (the St Vincent de Paul Society). Eventually promoted to manage multiple stores, she also discovered a love of second-hand objects, and jewellery in particular.
“I love working with second hand goods, and as I started to work more with jewellery, I became very familiar with different styles, makers and materials. I did a short introduction to gemmology course while I was there, and that has led into my current studies, and this role.”
Marianna is mid-way through a Diploma with the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA). She also plans to study Diamond Grading and Valuation in order to become a Registered Valuer of gold and gemstone jewellery.
Marianna continues to produce ceramics on occasion, but now prefers working with antiques and vintage items.
“After seeing the sheer volume of objects being mass produced while I was at Vinnies, it was an ethical choice to work in the vintage sphere. I was keeping an eye out for auction house roles, and when this come along, it was perfect.”
A Passion for Pre-Loved
The appeal of pre-loved jewellery lies in style, and in social conscience, with the scourge of cheap, mass-produced objects one reason that many prefer buying antiques and vintage.
“Mass production is a major problem for our society and environment. The amount of broken, damaged, disposable stuff I would see go to landfill was frankly terrifying” says Marianna.
“Antique and vintage jewels and other objects are often beautifully crafted things that we get to preserve and pass on. We give them a new chapter.
When I buy for myself, the idea of an object having a lot of history is very appealing. I love things that have lasted through generations, that are full of little clues about the hands it’s passed through and the places it might have travelled.”
Collecting Eclectic
Like many of the Theodore Bruce team, Marianna has a passion for collecting, both jewellery and decorative arts.
“I’m a bit eclectic as a collector, I pick things up when they speak to me. There are some wonderful handmade contemporary pieces around and since starting gemmology, I’m wearing more gemstone jewellery. Without fail however, my favourite is early Victorian and Georgian.”
After initially gravitating towards classic gold jewellery, then chunkier and more interesting silver pieces, Marianna fell in love with antiques years ago via a silver chatelaine case.
“It came into Vinnies one day, embossed with an image of boys picking grapes from a tree on one side and landscape on the other. It was gorgeous but we couldn’t find hallmarking. I remember agonising whether to spend $50 on it (I was 21 and broke at the time). It was only years later that that I found the miniscule hallmarks and discovered it was made in the mid to late 1800’s by a famous French silversmith, Charles Murat.“
Working with Antiques at Auction
Working in an auction house provides Marianna and colleagues with a wonderful opportunity to see so many one-of-a-kind pieces, and to discover their history.
“One part I really enjoy is going through a new batch that’s come in, sorting and assessing items. Finding a hallmark to research, for instance, is always very cool.”
Buying at auction is also a temptation. “I did purchase a Swiss made Sterling Silver Hugueanin Mechanical Watch Pendant. It’s has a wind-up movement and glass sphere through which you can see the mechanism.”
Marianna also assists vendors, with selling at auction providing an avenue for people who decide they want to part with either a single object or a collection.
“We can pass it to someone who will love it anew, which is great for both buyer and seller. I was touched the other day when one of our regular clients gave me a little ring as a thank you for handling their sale. It’s always nice to be able to help people, whether selling their items, or finding them something new and beautiful.”
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers offers regular auctions in Jewels, Silver & Timepieces. To stay informed, please join our newsletter via the link below, follow us on Instagram or keep an eye on Upcoming Auctions.