Found Treasure.
Are you drawn to the coast and the sea? We think everyone has an innate connection to nature, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the majestic Cornish landscape of southwest England. Naomi, jewellery designer and owner of Found Treasure, feels this connection so strongly that it forms the basis of all her designs. Her bespoke jewellery capture the awesome wonder of her surroundings while casting her client’s personal story into the precious pieces as well. Read the full interview to be swept away.
You live in Cornwall, a beautiful coastal area, which seems to have deeply inspired your designs. Can you expand on that?
The Cornish landscape really inspires my work, from the rugged cliffs on the North coast to the sweeping rivers and pebbled beaches of the Helford on the South-West coast. I hadn’t realised how much these pockets of Cornwall meant to me till I was living away from home. I find a real sense of belonging to the land and coastline here and in turn that feeling inspires my work. I believe it’s an energy and a feeling of flow that you can channel when you are where you are meant to be. I express this feeling with every piece of jewellery that I make and am so pleased to connect with sea people who are also drawn to my designs.
Tell us about Found Treasure and how did your journey begin?
I’d always had a keen eye for spotting the tiniest detail that some may overlook, whether that be an interesting shell or pebble on the beach, an owl in the woods or a rooftop in the city. I always felt like my eye was always searching for something more and I felt a sense of pride finding and pointing out something special that could easily be missed. Which eventually led me to jewellery as I had a collection of shells, seaglass and ideas that I used to create individual designs. When first making jewellery, I’d posted a photo of a ring I’d made on Instagram with my name inside and I had a couple of friends who wanted to order either an engraved ring or pick their own sea glass from my collection which I set it into a ring for them. Jewellery making is an expensive hobby so the orders helped me develop my making skills and kept me in the shared workshop where being a jeweller full time felt possible. The name Found Treasure came from finding pieces on the beach that were then turned into treasures so that came quite naturally. That’s where it all began and I really enjoyed building my brand, which still has the same values today. Personalised, detailed and fine metals.
How would you describe your designs?
I’d describe them as miniature sculptures that contain a subtle nod to the ocean. Each piece has a unique shape, a wave edge or a tidal style movement about it. I also really enjoy bringing each design to a high polish finish which is a mirror shine as it really accentuates the water and ocean element with its reflectiveness. My pieces are made for the sea people who appreciate a coastal lifestyle and my bespoke rings are a collaboration of my style and influence of my clients story and personal brand. I really enjoy working with bespoke clients on engagement rings and wedding bands as I feel that I can bring an element of their love story or style into the design through my knowledge of stones and form. The ocean theme does run deep and a lot of my work contains sea coloured stones or ocean diamonds that have been found on the ocean floor. I work solely with fine metals to ensure that each piece will last a lifetime and my conscience is clear knowing that I am bringing something meaningful and beautiful into the world that will last.
What’s a typical day for you in your studio?
Each day is different and I like to block out my time between screen and designing or making. I like to put the radio on and light a candle to start the day while I sip a cup of tea and check my colour-coded calendar. Depending on which stage I am at with bespoke designs I am either designing, making or sending pieces off for hallmarking. There is a lot of project management that goes on behind the scenes for each piece as well as being present and creative during the making process. I finish my day by writing a list for tomorrow and heading to a yoga class or walking along a local coastal path to wind down into the evening.
Where are your gemstones and diamonds sourced from?
A lot of my stones are sourced from Hatton Garden, the mecca for jewellery in the UK. I also source from female-run businesses in Australia who hand-cut their sapphires for special bespoke designs. I am partnered with Ocean Diamonds who work with scuba divers to find diamonds at the bottom of the ocean in South Africa. These diamonds are very rare and come in cut and raw form which are always a pleasure to work with. These diamonds are 100% traceable and clients who have a connection to the ocean and sustainability love to work with these stones due to the story they bring.
What advice would you give to someone designing a custom / choosing a piece of jewellery?
Time is precious. Get in touch in advance, even to touch base with a designer you want to work with to make sure you are well aligned. Plus, this gives the designer time to consider the details. No one enjoys rushing but sometimes it can’t be helped or the person you want to work with is fully booked. I like to work in a visual way so sharing colours, references which can be jewellery, fashion, lifestyle, places or one era help bring a sense of my clients style. You can also get in touch with no initial ideas and I’ll prompt with some questions over a call and create a moodboard based on what I am imagining and what's coming through for me. Budget is key to understand as there is a range of fine metals from 9ct - 18ct gold or platinum that are available at different price points and I can help guide you to which would suit you best. Plus, of course stones which I source in alignment with your budget as there is such a wide range.
How long does it take to design and make a custom piece?
The process can take between 3 to 6 months for engagement rings and 2 to 4 months for bespoke wedding bands. Recently I’ve had clients booking up to a year in advance to secure their timelines, with their wedding venue secured for the following year.
Professionally or personally, what inspires you?
Meaningful design and beauty inspire me. There is so much beauty found in nature, in the seasons and in the magic that the ocean brings. A majestic sense of belonging, grounding calm mixed with ferocious waves and strength. Having clients who connect with and believe in my work also inspires me and fuels my fire to continue doing what I love.
