When Marli Funston moved to Byron Bay for university, she found a place she could call home. What she did not realise was she would also find the inspiration for her jewellery designs. Influenced by the area’s natural beauty, a passion for gemstones and a desire to forge her own path, Marli created Juno Stone and Silver with her mother in 2014. “I was just importing jewellery and selling it, but I could really see a gap for good quality genuine gemstone jewellery made with the gorgeous handmade Thai Hill Tribe Silver, and also for raw gemstone jewellery,” said Marli. “I [have an] inherent love for that intense focus style in the making and design process. There’s something so meditative and satisfying in it — in finding gems that ‘sing’ together.”

Now, the self-taught artist can be found nearly every Saturday at Davies Park Market in West End, with the occasional interlude in Northern New South Wales, surrounded by her striking compositions. You will notice Thai Hill Tribe silver beads in the shapes of leaves and shells that echo nature. Rings, necklaces and bracelets burst with larimar, aquamarine and moonstone. The jewellery, boasting colours that pay tribute to the sea and sky, and styles that evoke freedom and beauty in equal measures, teeming with personality. Raw stones are handpicked and inform the design of a given piece, while beaded jewellery tends to start with an origin stone or piece of silver.

“The jewellery we make and design is almost always one of a kind,” said Marli. “I might begin with a certain theme or idea, but often it takes on its own path along the way. The ‘heart’ of a Juno piece is quality and balance.” Although, one could argue that the heart is each piece’s ability to tell a story. Marli says that her pieces are inspired by elemental stories, ones that capture the imperfections and beauty of nature. Marli wants to draw people back into marvelling at the way a seashell might be transformed by the ocean, or how a hermit crab finds a new shell. She believes these small moments are critical to our relationship with the natural world, and seeks to convey them through her work. “I suppose I try to create these kinds of stories as best as I can in my work. I also think it’s pretty magical how gemstones are made. I think they deserve to be represented in a way that displays their beauty completely,” she said.

The stories have found a receptive audience, particularly in West End, where Marli has encountered people who share her passion for nature and jewellery. “I could not rave more about Davies Park Market,” she said. “Everyone is so lovely, from my customers to the other stall holders to the guys that run the show. I look forward to going every week. There is a definite sense of community.” Looking for new avenues to channel her creative energy, Marli’s next project will be sustainable, ethical fashion. Holyfolk is set to introduce natural dyed linens, organic cottons and handwoven fabrics that pair with Juno jewellery.

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