NATUREZA BIJOUX

It all began 15 years ago during a long stay in Brazil, where the locals taught me to take a GOOD look around me. Depending on the season, the trees offer many natural plant treasures: seeds, pods, bark, fibre or straw, which have inspired me ever since. The ones I choose are inedible, so that no one is penalised by my picking, and have naturally reached final maturity in the tree. So when I pick them, they are dry and don't need to be strengthened with resin or varnish. So they can be used in their rawest state.

Brazil's rich vegetation, which I now know well because I'm lucky enough to go back there regularly, allows me to build up my stock of durable, resistant plants through meticulous study and selection. Here, I have much less choice. Thanks to the reputation I've built up in the village as a researcher/gatherer, I've also set up a barter system with nomadic craftspeople from various regions of Brazil, with whom we exchange our finds. With some of them, for example, I have been able to add a fine, malleable, naturally golden straw to my collection, known locally as plant gold, in exchange for fabulous seeds that they are not lucky enough to find in their rather dry region. Once the bugs have been extracted, some of the naturally varnished and coloured seeds can be used after a simple drilling. A step that also assures me of their solidity. Others, with their fibrous, protruding or less aesthetic appearance, are meticulously sanded, polished and shaped according to my wishes.

Seeds but also feathers...

Over the last few years, I've also been able to satisfy my desire to assemble feathers that have fallen naturally after certain birds have moulted. I collect them from various bird owners in the region. After careful sorting and careful cleaning, they are ready to be assembled and displayed to their best advantage.

Respect and authenticity of materials!

In order to be consistent and in keeping with those who taught me to observe the natural environment and to use what was already there, without having to make or buy it, I have never again mixed pearls, metal or glue in my creations, so as to preserve the authenticity of a piece of jewellery that is entirely NATURAL and respectful of the environment. To assemble my finds from the earth, all finally pierced, I use an extremely strong bond of woven cotton in a variety of colours, the end result of which, in my eyes, looks like a real embroidered plant painting.

100% plant-based jewellery that respects the ecosystem

All Natureza 100% plant-based jewellery is made from natural materials that are harvested with scrupulous respect for the ecosystem, and then shaped into UNIQUE pieces of jewellery in our workshop in Sallertaine in the Vendée.