Meet Southsea and Titchfield’s unlikely rock stars

For Mark Hussey, from Hallmark Jewellers in Titchfield, and Barbara Tipple in Southsea,  this is their reality as they create unique gifts that tell a personal story. 

Everything is said with precious metals and jewels and both jewellers agree there is nothing like a little thought at Valentine’s Day.

Mark says: ‘I am a big old softie and there is nothing better than hearing people’s love stories and then translating that into a piece of jewellery.

‘I think one of my favourites was a man who came in wanting something for his fiance to mark their engagement.

‘He told me they met in India so we made a necklace in the country’s shape and put a little diamond in the place where they got engaged which to them is very special.’

He laughs: ‘I truly think I have the best job.’

The 47-year-old tells me his mother’s love of jewellery was what inspired him to take a creative path in life.

He says: ‘I went to an academic school and I never really excelled in that but my mother loved jewellery and the way they were made really intrigued me.

‘I enjoyed working with metals as you could never go wrong with it. With wood if you cut off a piece and then realise it needs to be there then you’re  stuck, but with metal you can just solder it back on.’

At the tender age of 16 Mark took his passion for the material to a weekend course, but says at first he was concerned he would not quite  fit in. 

He says: ‘I was the youngest in the room by far and I thought, “what am I doing here surrounded by people who are just finding something to do in their retirement?” 

‘But the course leader took me under his wing and helped me. I made lots of jewellery which I would sell at car boots, then craft fairs, events and basically anywhere I could put a table.’

That course leader is now Mark’s business partner of 24 years and the pair have built up the business from its humble car boot beginnings.

Mark says: ‘I truly have the best team of designers and makers and we are really lucky to do what we do.

‘On  Valentine’s Day we do see a spike in people wanting more jewellery and I think it’s because we often take each other for granted at other times in the year. So now, and also Christmas time, is when people want to do something for their other half and I think the thought is what people appreciate most.’

Although his usual designs include engagement rings, necklaces and bracelets, the-father-of-three has somewhat branched out and has appeared on TV twice thanks to his creations including Christmas crackers worth £150,000 and the world’s most expensive bauble at a cool £82,000.

He says: ‘As a small independent shop we want to show what we can do to a wider audience and making something with no expense spared is an exciting prospect.’

Another jeweller who is no stranger to the spotlight is Barbara Tipple who runs a shop in Southsea in her name.