Are you tired of mass-produced jewelry that lacks personality and meaning? If you‘re seeking to build a collection of delicate, versatile pieces that tell a story, look no further than Made by Mary.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share my honest experience with this artisan jewelry brand and explain why it‘s become my go-to for everyday staples and meaningful gifts alike. As a bonafide jewelry junkie who‘s spent years curating the perfect accessory wardrobe, I can confidently say Made by Mary is the real deal – and by the end of this article, I think you‘ll agree!
The Lowdown on Made by Mary
Before we dive into the product nitty-gritty, let‘s talk brand basics. Launched in 2013 by Utah-based mama and maker Mary Moody, Made by Mary has earned a cult following for its simple yet striking designs.
The brand‘s signature style combines delicate chains and charms with personalized hand-stamped details. From minimalist initial necklaces to birthstone-studded bangles, each Made by Mary piece feels like a bespoke creation infused with thought and care.
While the brand has been buzzed about by major publications like Refinery29 and Who What Wear, it remains committed to its small-batch roots. Every item is handmade in Draper, Utah by Moody and her four-person team.
This hands-on approach allows for incredible attention to detail – something you‘ll immediately notice when you hold a Made by Mary piece in your hand. The weight, the texture, the shine… it‘s all perfection.
Behind the Scenes: The Made by Mary Process
So what exactly goes into crafting these stunning pieces? Having visited the Made by Mary studio myself, I can attest to the artistry and precision poured into each and every item.
Using a mix of traditional and modern metalsmithing techniques, the Made by Mary team transforms raw materials into wearable works of art. Metals are meticulously cut, shaped, stamped, and polished by hand using custom tools and machinery.
The process varies depending on the specific design, but all pieces go through several rounds of quality control before being deemed ready to ship. This level of care is evident in the flawless finish and feel of the final product.
One of the coolest parts of the Made by Mary operation is the focus on personalization. The brand has invested in top-notch engraving technology that allows them to hand-stamp names, dates, coordinates, and other custom details onto many of their pieces.
Case in point: I gifted my sister a disc necklace stamped with her newborn son‘s birth date and it instantly became her most treasured accessory. The sentiment of a personalized piece is truly unmatched.
The Made by Mary Aesthetic: Minimal & Meaningful
If I had to sum up Made by Mary‘s signature look in three words, I‘d choose: dainty, distinct, and durable. The brand gravitates toward ultra-fine chains and barely-there charms that make a subtle statement.
While the aesthetic skews minimal, make no mistake – these pieces are designed to be noticed. By incorporating unique shapes, clever layering, and unexpected details (think: asymmetrical ear crawlers and mismatched stud sets) Made by Mary keeps things fresh and fashion-forward.
At the same time, the designs never feel overcomplicated or trendy in a fleeting sense. The beauty is in the restraint and the intention behind every element. A single gold disc becomes a work of art when hand-stamped with a meaningful mantra – and suddenly that barely-there bracelet becomes your daily armor.
It‘s this interplay of simplicity and sentimentality that sets Made by Mary apart. The pieces are more than just pretty baubles – they‘re tangible reminders of the moments and people that matter most. Whether it‘s a necklace bearing your child‘s initials or a ring engraved with a secret message from your partner, these are the kinds of jewelry items you‘ll reach for day after day, year after year.
Speaking of jewelry that lasts, let‘s talk quality and materials. Made by Mary works primarily in 14k gold fill, sterling silver, and brass – all sourced from reputable suppliers and hand-selected for durability.
As someone who‘s worn my fair share of cheap costume jewelry, I can attest to the importance of investing in pieces that won‘t turn your skin green or fall apart after a few wears. With proper care (more on that in a bit), Made by Mary items will stay looking shiny and new for ages.
Digging into the Details: Made by Mary Best-Sellers
Now for the fun part – let‘s discuss some of the brand‘s most popular pieces! As a self-proclaimed Made by Mary collector, I‘ve amassed quite the assortment over the years. Here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites:
The Mama Necklace
The Mama Necklace is Made by Mary‘s No. 1 seller and it‘s easy to see why. This sweet and simple pendant features a hand-stamped "mama" charm on a dainty 16-18" chain. It‘s the perfect daily reminder of your most important job title!
I snagged this necklace as a "push present" to myself after the birth of my daughter and it rarely leaves my neck. The understated design looks great solo but also plays well with other pieces for a layered look. I especially love pairing it with the Custom Birthstone Necklace for a personalized "mommy and me" stack.
The Coordinate Bar Necklace
If you‘re sentimental like me, you‘ll swoon over the Coordinate Bar Necklace. This sleek horizontal bar pendant can be stamped with the latitude and longitude of any location that holds meaning for you.
Some popular picks: the spot where you got engaged, your hometown, your baby‘s birth place, or the site of an unforgettable vacation. I chose the coordinates of my late grandmother‘s hometown in Italy as a way to keep her memory close to my heart. Whenever I glance down at the numbers, I‘m flooded with happy memories of cooking pasta and playing cards around her kitchen table.
The Skinny Stacking Rings
Made by Mary‘s Skinny Stacking Rings are the LBD of jewelry – chic, timeless, and endlessly versatile. At a dainty 1mm thick, these bands were designed to be piled on for a cool, collected look.
Mix metals, experiment with personalized stamping, or keep things classic with a few hammered gold and silver bands. There‘s no wrong way to rock these rings!
I wear a trio of Skinny Stacking Rings on my right hand as a way to symbolize my past, present, and future. The first is stamped with my wedding date, the second is engraved with my daughter‘s name, and the third is blank – a reminder that the best is yet to come.
Rave Reviews: What Customers are Saying
In case you couldn‘t tell, I‘m a slight Made by Mary fangirl – but don‘t just take my word for it. The brand has racked up thousands of glowing reviews from satisfied shoppers around the globe.
On Etsy, Made by Mary boasts over 5,500 reviews with an average rating of 5 stars. Wowza! Customers rave about the excellent quality, beautiful packaging, and incredibly quick shipping. Many also mention the stellar customer service and the ease of the custom ordering process.
Megan S. writes, "This necklace took my breath away as soon as I opened it. The quality and craftsmanship is even more amazing in person. I love how the team at Made by Mary took my custom idea and made it a gorgeous reality. I will definitely be a return customer!"
Over on the Made by Mary website, the review sections for individual products are just as positive. The Mama Necklace alone has over 400 five-star ratings!
Kristen D. shares, "I got this necklace as a gift for my sister after she had her first baby and she absolutely loved it. It‘s the perfect piece to celebrate her new role as a mom. The quality is amazing and the personalization adds such a thoughtful touch. Made by Mary is my new favorite gift go-to!"
Statistics from reviews:
- 97% of customers rate their Made by Mary purchase as 4 or 5 stars
- 92% of customers say their item arrived on time
- 98% of customers would recommend Made by Mary to a friend
How to Care for Your Made by Mary Jewelry
To keep your Made by Mary pieces looking fabulous for years to come, it‘s important to practice proper jewelry care. Here are a few tips I‘ve learned over the years:
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Remove your jewelry before exercising, swimming, or doing household chores. Exposure to sweat, chlorine, and harsh chemicals can cause tarnishing and damage.
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Store your pieces separately in a jewelry box or soft cloth pouch to prevent tangling and scratching. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration over time.
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Gently polish your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove fingerprints and restore shine. For tougher tarnish, use a polishing cloth specifically designed for jewelry.
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Have your pieces professionally cleaned and inspected every 6-12 months to keep them in tip-top shape. Many local jewelers offer this service for a nominal fee.
The Bottom Line
In a world of fast fashion and flash-in-the-pan trends, Made by Mary is a breath of fresh air. This small but mighty brand has won me over with its commitment to quality, its focus on sentiment, and its effortlessly cool style.
Whether I‘m getting dressed for a big meeting or a casual coffee date, I always reach for my Made by Mary pieces first. They‘re the perfect blend of polished and personal – little luxuries that make me feel put-together without trying too hard.
If you‘re craving unfussy, everyday jewelry that speaks to your story, I highly suggest you give Made by Mary a try. But don‘t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds…and thirds…and fourths! Consider yourself warned – this brand is seriously addicting in the best way possible.
Have I piqued your interest? Here‘s a special offer just for my readers: use code MARY15 at checkout for 15% off your first Made by Mary purchase. Trust me, you won‘t regret it!
Happy shopping and styling,
Your Resident Jewelry Junkie
Disclosure: I purchased all Made by Mary products with my own money and was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
