Myrtle & Me jewellery is best described as a photographic Tasmanian moment captured in a timeless, wearable piece. Jeweller Jocelyn Parry-Jones loves her island home in a way that’s palpable across the range, from original pendants and cufflinks to delicate drop earrings. As a husband-and-wife team, Michael and Jocelyn live in the lush Meander Valley with some of north-west Tasmania’s finest wilderness on their doorstep. The distinctive fauna and flora of the region is celebrated through their evolving range, available across independent stores, online and at bustling Salamanca Market in Hobart.

The pathway to handmade jewellery wasn’t a typical one. Hobart-born Jocelyn trained in natural environment and wilderness studies while Michael focused on a career in music technology. Myrtle & Me began in 2015 with Jocelyn, the ‘Me’ of the business, and ‘Myrtle’ being a nod to the species that is particularly prevalent in the takayna / Tarkine, Australia’s largest tract of cool temperate rainforest.

When Michael joined the fold, their shared passion for wild places and combined skills became a strong foundation for the brand. Both had been raised to enjoy the great outdoors, and this deep connection with nature followed them into adulthood. The eco-conscious jewellery (and gift cards) business doubles as an opportunity to protect and heal the natural world. Myrtle & Me proudly supports Bush Heritage Australia, plus each product sold online leads to the planting of between two and 10 mangrove trees via The Eden Project; the pledge tally is now well over 18,000 trees!

‘I created the business because I love Tasmanian nature and wanted to celebrate and share it through my photography,’ explains Jocelyn. ‘It was simply a case of following my passion. Once I completed my diploma of fine arts in photography, creating jewellery became the perfect way to share my art and heart. I spent months working out the most sustainable approach to all aspects of the business. Over time, we’ve been able to refine our designs and sustainability strategies year on year, including materials, packaging, production processes and distribution. Ecological sensitivity is at the forefront of everything we do.’

Though Jocelyn and Michael both grew up in the city, it was the Tasmanian countryside that called them. These days they live among rolling hills and valleys, the landscape providing a constant flow of inspiration for their artistic pursuits.

‘I may not have been born in Tasmania, but as a teenager I used to visit here with my family,’ says Michael. ‘The cool, temperate rainforests and misty mountains left an indelible mark on me. I have been captivated ever since! It inspires the music I create and everything I do. I love that my greatest passion has also become my work, and we get to do this in such an inspiring setting. Working with my wonderful partner in life, and in business, is just the icing on the cake.’

Myrtle & Me jewellery has a rare style, with each piece featuring Jocelyn’s photography. Delicate yet strong, the work is a reflection of the very environment in which it’s crafted. It shifts with the seasons and moods of outdoor life. You can expect anything from the vibrant pride-filled chest of a blue wren to the graceful fall of a wild petal.

Myrtle & Me pieces are a Tasmanian moment captured fleetingly … to wear for a lifetime.

Salamanca Market (site 277), Hobart
myrtleandme.com.au
[email protected]