Rachel Sloane’s light-filled legacy
by Metropol | September 3, 2025 8:40 am
Co-founder of luxury jewellery house Naveya & Sloane, Rachel Sloane chats with Metropol writer Hannah Brown about sentiment, her creative process, and a new chapter in Christchurch.
Rachel Sloane’s love of jewellery began with a fascination for how a small object can carry deep meaning. “I was drawn to the emotional weight it can hold, and the precision required to bring that into form.”
Founding Naveya & Sloane grew from a desire “to create pieces that honoured that depth. Not just beautiful things, but vessels for something personal.” Was nostalgia an invisible string binding her to a world surrounded by shiny things? “Mum would often let me explore her collection – pearl necklaces, antique lockets, pieces filled with history. I was captivated by the stories behind each one,” she says. Rachel loved how it felt like opening a little time capsule every time she asked about them. That spark only grew.
Naveya & Sloane was born in 2010 when Rachel and partner Alex Bunnett met, fell in love, and combined their creative forces to create an iconic jewellery house focused on luxury design, craft, and care. With ‘naveya’ being Sanskrit for ‘fresh’ or ‘new’, Rachel’s creative direction also balances the old and new. “There’s something powerful about combining vintage design elements with something fresh,” she says. She’s long been inspired by “old-world glamour” drawing from cities like Paris that have become her creative home away from home. “There’s a romance to its architecture and history that continues to influence my work.”
A childhood spent close to nature and the ocean, Rachel is forever chasing that feeling of raw beauty. “That connection, especially the way sunlight dances across water or filters through trees, continues to shape my approach to colour and light in our collections.”
Creativity for Rachel is sparked by sensory experiences. “Walking, driving, exploring a new city, or simply being near the ocean under the sun – that’s when my mind switches on and ideas begin to flow. Movement clears space for inspiration. If I ever feel stuck, a good conversation with my team usually helps. Just getting the thoughts out of my head and bouncing them around can unlock something new.” Light influences her creative environment. “Environments filled with natural light help when I’m imagining something new, dreaming and exploring.” She explains that creativity comes in many forms, for her process, it’s about listening closely to what’s around her and within.
BALANCE AND BOUNDARIES
Reflecting on the early days, Rachel highlights the challenges of learning to delegate and the importance of empowering others. “The lesson here is when you find someone who does something better than you, let them take the reins. Give them space to learn, fail, and create. Empower them to own what they do and guide them with the simplest form of communication possible.”
Balance and boundaries have also been key. “Know when to close the book or take a break. I absolutely love what I do and am a bit of a workaholic. Understanding my boundaries has been challenging.”
She describes business as a game of passion, resilience, and endurance, especially through hard times. Rachel has learned to listen to her body, set strong boundaries, block out noise, and maintain laser-focus. Exercise also brings clarity: “Getting the body moving is great, then letting the ideas settle again.” Music is key too. “I always design to music, and often each collection has its own playlist to set the tone and emotion behind the pieces.”
HOMECOMING
The decision to open a second showroom in Christchurch came from their supportive client base. “We’ve had such a loyal and engaged following here over the years.” Rachel says that opening a showroom felt less like expansion and more like a homecoming – a way to honour those relationships and bring the full Naveya & Sloane experience closer to the people who supported the brand for years. It’s new home within The Midland Club building on Oxford Terrace was the perfect location. “When Alex and I came across it, it felt like the perfect fit. It’s rich in history, filled with natural light, and has a beautiful connection to nature overlooking the Avon River. We knew we had to go for it,” she says.
“What Christchurch has rebuilt is nothing short of astounding and very inspiring to me. The resilience of this city and its people really resonate as a business owner. It’s inspiring to witness how the community has come together to create something vibrant and forward-looking.” Discovering Christchurch’s appreciation for art, design, and high craftsmanship mirrored her own passions, making it feel like a “very natural fit”.
Balancing artistry and business require protecting “the integrity of the creative process while also making smart, sustainable decisions. This is always a dance, but the team gets it. For us, it’s about staying close to the ‘why’. If something doesn’t align with our values or the kind of experience we want to offer, it’s not worth pursuing, even if it looks good on paper.”
Rachel’s advice for emerging creatives? “Be clear on your values and vision, and build from there. It’s easy to be swayed by trends or what others are doing, but meaning comes from knowing your voice and trusting it. Own it.” She warns against rushing. “The most enduring things are built with care.”
Where is the light leading Rachel now? “We’re entering a new chapter, one that feels expansive but grounded. There’s so much more we want to explore in terms of form, storytelling, and connection. Most of all, I’m excited to keep creating pieces that genuinely matter to people. That’s the heart of it.”
PLANNING A WEDDING?
Rachel’s advice to engaged couples reflects the raw beauty of what inspires her most. “Let go of perfection. The best weddings are never the most flawless, they’re the most heartfelt. Choose the things that really matter to you, and let the rest fall into place.”
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/rachel-sloanes-light-filled-legacy/