For this week’s Friday Muse, we sit down with Auckland-based designer Rachel Sloane, the co-founder and creative director of fine jewellery house Naveya & Sloane. Since co-founding the brand in 2010 with her partner Alex Bunnett, Sloane has established a reputation for pieces that transcend adornment, weaving together craftsmanship, symbolism, and timeless design. From her early fascination with the permanence of jewellery to leading a 20-strong atelier in Auckland — and most recently opening a Christchurch showroom — Sloane’s journey is one defined by determination and a clear design vision. Here, she opens up about the inspirations that shape her work, the art of designing with meaning, and how she balances life at the helm of a growing brand with family and creative freedom.
In conversation with Rachel Sloane:
Let’s get up to speed. Tell us a little about your background and career so far.
I grew up on the North Shore, went to Takapuna Grammar, then studied Fashion Design at AUT. In my early days I worked in the TV and fashion industry, and in 2010 I decided to take the leap and start a business. Naveya & Sloane has been crafting jewellery for 16 years now, and we currently have a team of 20. Now, my partner Alex and I live in a mid-century house that we built together on a lifestyle block with our two darling daughters. Life is full, creative, and always evolving.
What first sparked your love of jewellery, and what drew you into turning that passion into a career?
For me, it was the quiet power of jewellery. The permanence. I’ve always been fascinated by how something so small can carry such weight. Jewellery isn’t just about beauty, it’s about the invisible layers it holds: memory, love, even entire chapters of a life. I loved the idea that a ring could outlast us, that it could travel through time and become part of someone’s story.
How would you describe your creative process when it comes to creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces with clients?
I always begin by listening. What’s meaningful to this person? Are there family connections? Colours, symbols, important details? Then I start sketching – full imagination mode, no constraints. I pull references from my archives, then once I’ve got an idea I’m excited about I’ll create technical sketches or paintings to present to my client.
How do you balance trends with timelessness?
We always want our pieces to feel of the moment without being constrained by it. In bespoke work, the story itself becomes timeless. Meaning always outlasts a trend. For our collections, we trust our taste, still keeping our eye on what’s happening commercially. It’s about honouring our design principles and aesthetic while connecting with trends that we believe in.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
My aunt passed away recently, and in her final days she told me: “Rachel, you have to communicate really well with your husband.” I’m holding that one close, with a business and a family this is key to making everything & everyone fly.
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most?
My style is quite understated, I like to feel chic and relaxed. Comfort is important to me, so I can move around easily. You won’t often find me in heels, although I do like them for special occasions. I am always drawn to timelessness, simplicity, high quality materials and classic fit. I LOVE classic blue jeans. I’m drawn to feminine elegant silhouettes, and I’d say I’m influenced by Jane Birkin and Jacquemus at the moment. We have some incredible local designers here in New Zealand —I adore Paris Georgia, especially their dresses. And Zambesi—so iconic, always.
How do you define success?
For me, success is being able to spend my days doing what I love; designing and creating jewellery that feels like it will live on long after us. But it’s also the simple things: being in nature with the people I love, cooking outside, a picnic that turns into a sunset swim, chasing light by the ocean. A home that’s full of love and fun. A peaceful mind and creative spirit. Lifting others up along the way is important. That’s when I feel like I’m succeeding.
Who or what inspires you creatively?
Inspiration is everywhere, if I’m open to it. Nature, light, emotion. It’s the simple things like the colour that’s created from sunlight hitting the ocean, to a simple conversation with a friend. Paris is my favourite city —the history, architecture & energy. I love collecting music as this always helps to build a mood for a design or collection. My team inspires me constantly—Jess, Chloe, Sophie, Alex. And I’ll always look up to people like Rick Rubin, Pharrell Williams, Yvette Noel-Schure. Inspiration is infinite if you stay curious.
Quick-fire questions
Next item on my wardrobe wishlist: A killer pair of Levi’s.
My favourite place to dine: Amano. It’s consistently stunning & authentic.
Next holiday destination: Barcelona & Portugal are calling me.
If I could raid one wardrobe, it would be: Jane Birkin.
Song on repeat: “Albatross” by Fleetwood Mac.
Three beauty products I can’t live without: Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.
