Devonshire October November 16

FASHION & BEAUTY
Jethro working hard, aged 19
40 years on, Jethro is just as dedicated
Meeting Jethro Marles
For over 35 years born and bred Devonian,
Jethro Marles, has been advising clients about
their jewellery, precious items and works of art.
Tell me where it all began...
“I was born in Torquay, and at 11 I
started downhill skiing at the local
dry slope. I became England’s
youngest qualified skiing instructor
aged 17 and taught in the French
Alps for a brief time.”
Thatʼs quite a career jump from
what you do now, how did you
begin valuing works of art?
“I met Jennie, my wife, while at the
slopes, and it was her father who
asked if I could help at a charity
auction in 1976. A year later I joined
Sotheby Bearne as a saleroom
assistant and soon developed a
keen interest in jewellery. Working
with some of the leading experts of
their day, I found myself assisting
with auctions all over the UK and
abroad.”
items. Today, I want my clients to
be fully informed about the items
in their possession, so whether its
a single item with £50 or a large
collection worth many thousands,
I’m dedicated to making sure items
are valued correctly.”
but already have other projects
in mind so others can enjoy the
surroundings we’ve created.”
Sounds like a photographerʼs
paradise, are you interested in
photography?
“I love taking pictures of wildlife
with my Nikon and my smart phone,
but good images for business are
essential these days, especially
the sort of items I deal with. High
resolution close-up images and
food for people today, it’s a real treat
for me to get out of the kitchen and
go to a restaurant.”
One final question. What is your
favourite aspect of your job?
“I enjoy making engagement and
eternity rings. I get to know the
couple at the design stage over cups
of tea and coffee and can create an
item they really appreciate - it’s a
very satisfying feeling.”
Is that where you learned the art
of making jewellery?
“I was inspired to try jewellery making
as a hobby after intently listening
to a world renowned watch maker,
George Daniels. Gaining the skills
required to create items from scratch
also gave me a greater insight
when identifying and assessing
Spotting swans out of his
window, Jethro talks fondly of
his home.
“Today it’s a sanctuary for wildlife, but
it took a lot of work to get it where
it is now. What was a 12 acre site
filled with pigs is now covered with
wildflower meadows and ponds. I
have a vegetable plot, keep bees for
honey, chickens for meat and eggs
and trout in a pond. I hope we’ll
become self sufficient in the future,
Walter Crane water colour - Sold £25,000
videos help give our customers a
good impression of the items while
viewing online, but they will nearly
always want to see the item in the
flesh before making a commitment
to buy.”
What else do you enjoy?
“I love good food - eating it and
cooking it! I began cooking for the
family when my wife was training to
be a nurse and whilst I enjoy making
Obtaining independent advice from
Jethro Marles is only available by
contacting his office directly on
01803 813781 or 01392 848525
or by visiting his website www.
jethromarles.co.uk
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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk