Rachel Sloane, the co-founder and creative force behind Naveya & Sloane is renowned for her exquisite bespoke fine jewellery. We speak to the artistic visionary about making luxury investments, the design elements she finds most inspiring, and her new partnership with Audi for their very sleek, and very limited-edition Audi Q2.
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new piece?
A new design generally starts with a moment of inspiration with a vision and an emotion around the concept that feels really special to me. I would then do some rough sketches to capture the idea. Once it goes into the technical sketch stage, we would prototype it, refining and perfecting it to a point where we believe it’s perfect, in terms of design, functionality etc., then the final sample would be crafted. You create many bespoke and limited-edition pieces.
In your opinion what makes these items so sought after?
Our bespoke service, where we create miniature works of art, has become a focal point since setting up our on-site workshop in the luxury district on Queen Street. Having our artisans in-house, allows us to specialise in this area as we work so closely together. Crafting bespoke jewellery at a consistently high standard is no small feat; it takes a dedicated team and specialised technology. We’re all about celebrating our clients’ personal milestones, infusing their unique stories into each piece of jewellery.
What sets your designs apart in the competitive world of fine jewellery, and how do you maintain a balance between timeless elegance and contemporary trends?
Timeless elegance is so important to our brand, we choose not to follow fast trends, and always aim to transcend them. We want to create pieces that people will wear forever, not simply one summer. That doesn’t limit us, however, we still incorporate modern style into our design, in a way that ensures it feels like us, and will be something the wearer will want to keep for a lifetime.
Can you tell us about your partnership with Audi and how it came about?
Audi is iconic. I’m a massive fan of their timeless design and pursuit of excellence. The limited-edition element is particularly appealing to me. I was honoured to be approached by Audi to be a brand ambassador for the launch of their new Q2. They were looking for someone with a shared passion for design so I’m excited to be on this journey with them.
There is a real sense of exclusivity with only 30 units of the Audi Q2 coming into the country. What do you think it is about exclusivity that appeals to people?
It’s rare, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a work of art.
What design elements of the Audi Q2 do you find most inspiring?
I adore the sleek, refined look that Audi delivers across all their vehicle designs, and the Q2 is no exception. I’m obsessed with the black-on-black exterior and interior combination, and I love the surprise details like the Audi rings being projected as a welcome light when you unlock the car. So charming! The design isn’t noisy or busy — it’s beautiful. It feels sexy and aesthetically smooth flowing, which I’m really into. The overall aesthetic has a simplicity to it. It’s timeless.
What excites you most about the intersection of art, tech, design, and luxury, and how do you envision your brand evolving in the coming years?
We are excited for the future as technology is a constant force of change. We have lots of disruption and change happening currently and I think that we will see it allowing us to expand the types of products and design we can create. It is an exciting time in jewellery, which hasn’t had a big focus on technology.
When it comes to design, what makes something refined and memorable?
The combination of harmonious colours and materials chosen for a particular design or collection is important, as different hues can evoke different emotions. This is very nuanced but something we are tuned into. Meaningful design to me is everything; every design decision should have a reason for being.
How does Audi’s design aesthetic align with your brand’s vision and design philosophy?
Our jewellery design ethos focuses on balance, clean lines, and play of light. Through this, our designs have a sleek, refined aesthetic from afar, with meaningful details to be discovered at closer inspection. The organic flow and curvature of lines and shapes that Audi have incorporated into the Audi Q2 really resonated with me.
What are the most important factors to consider when making a luxury investment?
A true luxury investment does take a trained eye, whether it be wine, art, or jewellery, it is important to have the skill set or to get guidance as to what might be the best way to invest your money. For me, I would buy design that moves you emotionally. If it moves you then it will no doubt do the same to someone in the future, if you were wanting to resell it. Great art and design creates an emotion within you, it has a spirit. It’s those designs that you dream about and always come back to.
How do rarity and exclusivity impact the investment potential of luxury items?
When it comes to jewellery, these elements have one of the greatest influences on value long-term. Pieces from limited-edition collections, or with unique designs or rare gemstones have the potential to command a higher price point than others in future. However, there are numerous other factors at play — the craftsmanship, brand, designer, history etc. It still needs to be desirable — just because it is rare doesn’t guarantee it will be valuable.
Could you tell us how you’re embracing sustainability at Naveya and Sloane?
Since the beginning we have focused on using ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones and partnered with precious metal houses who operate within the boundaries of the Responsible Jewellery Council. Using these premium materials, all of our jewellery is then produced with the highest levels of care and integrity to ensure heirloom quality, which can be handed down to the next generation. We don’t do fast fashion, our timeless designs are designed to be treasured. Same with our packaging, this has been designed as a keepsake to protect and store jewellery vs landfill.
Outside of work, how do you spend your time? Do you put an emphasis on ‘living well’?
The greatest luxury in life is time. To me living well is simple, it’s time with Alex and our two daughters. I love to cook for friends and family, and adore our dinners together at home with our wee girls. The dining room is definitely one of my favourite spaces. I love listening to good music, and having band practice and dance parties with the kids.
Party Pics: Celebrating the Audi Q2 launch
