Meet Heather Maertens
Heather Maertens opened the doors at Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts in Solomons, Maryland in October 2002. Since then, she has created several original jewelry collections called Maertens Exclusives for her store. Her designs are nature inspired, drawing much of her inspiration from the local area and the Chesapeake Bay.
Heather was classically trained at Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois in jewelry making, jewelry design and in the lost art of hand engraving. The store gives Heather a creative outlet, a place to showcase her designs, and an opportunity to turn people’s dreams into reality. When Heather isn’t creating unique pieces for the showcases, she can be found restoring client’s treasured pieces. Heather has over fifteen years of experience repairing jewelry and completes repairs in her workshop at her store in Solomons.
As a Calvert County native, Heather cares about the many causes in southern Maryland and has partnered herself with many local organizations to lend her support. She has collaborated with dozens of groups to create unique pieces to benefit their concerns; including: The Arc of Southern Maryland, The Humane Society, Annmarie Gardens, Leadership Southern Maryland, and so many more. Heather also gives her time and talent to the United Way of Calvert County as the decorating chair of the spectacular Mardi Gras Ball. Each year, she takes on the task of decorating for the United Ways biggest fundraiser event of the year. In addition, she is the “Royal Jeweler” and creates the crown jewels for each years contestants for King and Queen of Mardi Gras. And Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts generously donates the goodies for the Razzle Dazzle Raffle which features thousands of dollars of jewelry that one lucky winner takes home.
Heather also started Breakfast at Sniffany’s, her own charity created to help support local animal shelters. Heather believes that every animal deserves a chance and a loving home and Breakfast at Sniffany’s helps raise money to support local shelters. Each year, a fundraiser brunch is held in Solomons which includes a pet themed silent auction and a Maertens boutique.