Creative Spark – A Call with Rachel Sloane of Naveya & Sloane
Pressure makes diamonds – and it's also the making of this fine jewellery company's founder and creative director.
Few fashion purchases are more symbolic than a precious piece of jewellery. After seeing such evocative statements at the V&A’s Cartier exhibition, I was inspired to call Rachel Sloane of the New Zealand-based fine jeweller Naveya & Sloane to ask her what it takes to create sparkling memories.
After celebrating Naveya & Sloane’s 15th anniversary last year, and returning home from a trip to Sydney the week before, Rachel spoke about her ambitions for Naveya & Sloane, where she has settled into the position of creative director, and her husband, Alex Bunnett, as CEO. What started as an epiphany (while pattern-cutting costumes for Shortland Street, no less) has evolved into a world-class company that designs champagne diamond rings for tennis stars, such as Caroline Wozniacki, and tennis bracelets for gemmaphiles. From an atelier and showroom in Auckland’s Imperial Building on Queen Street, a team of (currently) 18 creates and curates sentimental fine jewellery collections alongside bespoke inspirations.
Rachel shares what it’s like to work with her husband (both in business and on her engagement ring), her thoughts on social media proposals, and the importance of jewellery for all of life’s milestones – including an exciting new store opening.
Thinking back to when you first started, what were you trying to achieve?
When we first started, I was in the fashion industry and then the film and television industry. I wanted to start my own business, and I noticed that there was a gap in the market for more traditional jewellery. I remember having a bit of an epiphany around what Naveya & Sloane would be – where I could see the brand and what it felt like. I've always been drawn to heirloom quality products that tell a story and that have really special meaning. I started the business, and then Alex came on board and really encouraged me to get it off the ground. Together, we had this mantra: Horizon & Beyond.
We were always really inspired by the big international jewellery brands and definitely had aspirations to be a brand with an international feel to it. But I don't think we really knew what that looked like at the time. We had big dreams.
What is your involvement at the moment?
I used to be a lot more involved across everything, but now I'm a little bit more focused on the creative side of things. At the moment, I do creative direction for the jewellery design. For our latest Garden Party collection, I had quite a strong vision around what I wanted for that, so I did the top line creative direction and then our head of design expands on the range plan and designs it. We work quite collaboratively on ideas.
Are there still the skills in New Zealand for jewellery making?
The jewellery world used to feel quite masculine – very traditional and very hands-on. But our world has shifted. Our workshop is now entirely women, which is interesting. There’s this beautiful energy in the room – it’s focused, precise, but also warm.
We used to make a lot of our jewellery by hand, carving wax or shaping metal directly, and we still do in parts – but now there’s CAD too, and it’s been such a cool evolution. It’s so empowering seeing more people, mastering both the traditional techniques and the digital craft. We’re incredibly selective with the artisans we work with. The talent pool in New Zealand is small, but when you find the right people, it’s magic.
Did you design your own engagement ring?
Alex actually made it. He suggested I put together a small moodboard. And then he ended up designing it and making it with the team, which was really gorgeous. It's a cushion with a bead set halo around it and trapezoid cut diamonds on the side, which is like a shield shape, and square stones that run down the band…
But I am thinking about redesigning it! Being surrounded by jewellery all the time, there’s more temptation. I love the ring, but I'd love to do something a bit different. I fall in love with so many different pieces all the time. So we're talking about that at the moment.
That sounds exciting. What's it like working with your partner?
It’s intense, in the best way. You can move quickly, make big decisions, and really build momentum. Alex is kind of a muse for me – he’s got this instinctive creativity and great taste. We share the same values, and our thinking just… clicks.
Of course, business has its highs and lows – it’s not always glossy. But we’ve learned how to support each other, and how to set clear boundaries – especially now with two little ones in the mix. Life looks really different these days, and that balance has become everything. We’ve definitely grown through it all – and I’m honestly so proud of what we’ve created together.
How do you overcome fears of failure as a business owner?
Business is often about managing risk. I think the fear is probably always there. It's a part of the human psyche and a good thing to have, in a way. But I wouldn't say it's a big part of it. A quote I try to live by is: Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. I believe that there's always a way to win.
Do you have any specific goals or hopes for this year?
We’re working on expanding, so we have just signed a lease in Christchurch. That's all in motion. We’ve also got some very cool fine collection ideas in the works.
Internally, I’m focused on simplifying and commercialising the business more. But at the heart of it, always, is taking care of our incredible clients and continuing to create truly world-class jewellery that means something. That’s the joy in what we do.
Is Australia also on the horizon? Since you've just been on a trip there, I have to ask.
It’s something that's on our mind – we have been talking about trunk trips to Sydney.
Have you noticed your customer has changed over the years?
In terms of engagement, we see a lot more couples coming in together, or the woman will inquire about a piece of jewellery and then the guy will come in. It can be abit more collaborative now. Although I personally love the idea of keeping the surprise and romance there... With social media, there's so much more available for people to see now so I think the expectations are a bit higher perhaps. But for me, it’s more about the meaning and thought that goes into it. It’s so special if your partner chooses or designs something for you, it just means so much.
Are there certain styles or inspirations that seem to be sparkling more at the moment?
We’re starting to see cooler metals. Last year was very gold, but platinum is coming back. For rings, cushions are really massive – an elongated cushion is really big at the moment. People are also loving a vintage look. Solitaires are always a favourite when it comes to engagements.
I notice with your rings (including my own) there might be a vintage inspiration, but it still has a modern element to it and a balance.
That's exactly what we go for. It’s a really beautiful combination of old and new. For example, our Sloane setting, which is one of our most popular pieces, is a single solitaire with six heart-shaped claws in the knife-edge band. So it has a vintage-inspired basket with a subtle ornateness to it, but the band is very sleek and modern. I think that combination makes it feel original. If you go too vintage, then it just looks like a vintage piece. I really love that combining old and new to make something new.
And it is always about the details with jewellery, because the basket is something that no one else really sees.
The fine details are the design, really. I'm very detail-oriented and they really make the difference and create something really special.
What are your favourite Naveya & Sloane styles at the moment?
Honestly, I’m completely obsessed with our suite right now. I walk through the showroom and just want everything. It’s a bit dangerous! But mostly, I just feel proud – the last few years have been huge for us. We’ve introduced so many beautiful new designs – ear cuffs, tennis bracelets, diamond necklaces – and each piece feels like a little celebration of what we do best.
There are some all-time favourites that I always come back to – like the Honey Jane Chain and the Sloane Slippers – but the pieces I can’t stop thinking about at the moment are The Constantin and the Tilted Pear Garden Party. The Constantin is something else. It’s bold, sculptural, and so confident – but still subtle in a way. It has this beautiful tension between power and elegance, and I love that you can wear just that one ring and feel completely styled. It’s got presence. The Tilted Pear Garden Party – don’t get me started. I’m totally in love with it. It’s inspired by family, so the central stone is symbolic of the wearer, and the diamonds on either side represent the loved ones that surround you. The colour of the central stone is inspired by the sun. It has this soft, fluid movement to it… a kind of rhythm. The way the fancy-cut diamonds are set, it almost looks like they’re dancing across your finger. It's so timeless.
Do you think there's quite a strong market for jewellery in New Zealand at the moment?
There are definitely many more jewellery brands now than there were when we first started. It's definitely a lot more competitive, and it's keeping us on our toes.
Jewellery is always an important facet of life and culture, and it holds so much meaning for people. Obviously, there's an engagement ring purchase, but fine jewellery and precious pieces that hold meaning are such a beautiful way to capture a memory or an experience.
More and more people have access to knowledge within jewellery, and there’s a lot more available, so it can be overwhelming. It is lovely to be able to go somewhere and look at a really refined collection and talk to them about what they would recommend. We love to take care of our customers and make it really fun and easy to create incredible pieces that mean the world to them. I feel lucky to be in such a special industry.
Shop For All Seasons x Naveya & Sloane
Spring: Diamond Darling Knots Pendant. Summer: Lovers Knot Rings. Autumn: Tide Hoops. Winter: Graduated Diamond Rivière Necklace.
Rachel Sloane Recommends:
Music –
I’m always making playlists – for different moods, creative threads, or new collection ideas. Music helps me stay connected to a feeling before it even becomes a design. One song I’ve had on repeat is ‘La Carta Era Muy Larga – Dub’. I found it on vinyl in a little record shop in Paris and honestly, it’s so good! I can’t get enough of it.
Lana Del Rey is forever a favourite – I would love to see her live. And I’ve also been loving a bit of A$AP Rocky and Sault lately.
Podcasts –
I recently got really into the Rick Rubin and John Frusciante series on YouTube. There’s something about listening to musicians talk about their process that always resonates with me – the way they approach the intangible and bring it to life.
Another one I loved was Rick Rubin with Pharrell Williams – that conversation on creativity really stayed with me. Pharrell is such a muse for me. He’s so thoughtful and generous when it comes to sharing his process, and I love his grounded presence.
The Book –
The Creative Act: A Way of Being is basically my bible. It lives on my bedside table. I return to it often, especially when I need to recalibrate or remind myself why I love living and working creatively.
Films
Dalíland – I’ve always admired Salvador Dalí, so seeing that film was such a treat. It’s a beautiful piece.
I also always come back to The Talented Mr. Ripley. The scenery, the cast, the outfits – the whole vibe is just timeless.
I recently really enjoyed Surviving Picasso. I visited the Picasso Museum in Paris last November – it was one of those moments I’ll never forget. Seeing his notebooks, ceramics, and paintings in person was out of this world. Then, on the flight home, I watched the film. It gave such an interesting lens on his creative world and the people who supported and challenged him. I draw a great deal of inspiration from studying how great artists worked and thought.
Instagram –
I really admire Commas – their minimalist photography style and the way they work with natural light is just stunning. It’s incredibly inspiring for me from a visual storytelling perspective.
And then there’s Bettina Looney. I actually met her in London last year and fell in love with her style — and her warmth. She’s just divine, and I adore following her and her beautiful family.
Saasha Burns is another favourite. Her life in Paris, the shoots she puts together, her interiors… everything is so chic. It’s a window into this elegant world I find so captivating.
