NACRE

Bringing the warmth of the tropics wherever you go.

We talk with Laura about her handmade jewelry and its connection to her home on Réunion Island.

HS: Living in a place others spend their holidays is a unique experience. How has living on a tropical island shaped your sense of style?

N: Yes, what a privilege! I was lucky to be born and grow up here, in Réunion Island. So I had no choice but to fall in love with the beach and sunsets from an early age. Sand, sun, blue and green are part of our daily lives. Here we live in swimsuits all year round. For fashion and jewelry passionates like me, accessories are essential pieces to wear. I have always loved having jewelry around my neck, wrist or ankle that would go well with my swimwear. 

HS: Your jewelry is all handmade. What does your process look like??

N: Before even thinking about creating my jewelry brand, I always loved walking on the beaches to admire and collect beautiful shells. Nature offers us so many beautiful things. The first step in my process is to personally select each shell that I want to put on the bracelets and necklaces.
Once the most beautiful pieces have been chosen, then comes the drilling. This is an important and precise step so as not to damage the shells. To finish, I assemble the shells and the pearls one by one until the desired jewel. All jewelry is designed to remind you of the beach, the islands, and the tropics.

HS: Who are the pieces made for — when you design your collection, who do you envision wearing it?

N: Nacre is intended for all people who love the sun, the sound of the waves and the ocean. Some of my jewelry will be easier to wear during the day to bask in the sun. I put a lot of colors and freshness into it. Other collections will go very well with your most beautiful summer dress. White and gold will bring out your best tan. Above all, I don’t want to forget all the people who are not lucky enough to live in the sun like me, or who can’t afford a few days of vacation with their feet in the sand. My jewels are also for you! A little bit of warmth and the tropics on your wrist or around your neck to bring with you everywhere.

HS: This is a new project for you. Was there a particular moment in your life that led you to this path and the launch of Nacre?

N: I discovered the south of France thanks to my husband. We lived there for three years. It was a great time but the lack of my island was quickly felt. It was when we came back here two years ago that I realized that I had missed everything. In France, I would have loved to have a jewel that reminded me of the warmth and the ocean from home. Nacre was born like this.

HS: One of the ideas that defines Holiday St. is to build a wardrobe based on a specific destination. The Suitcase Edits are influenced by the unique beauty of each locale. How would you say your jewelry evokes the beauty and spirit of your home?

N: Each piece and jewel that I create with my own hands is unique. Unique like the island I live on and love so much. Réunion Island is known for its diversity - its fauna and its flora. Nacre wants to be respectful of the environment while highlighting the most beautiful nature offers us. The people here are so simple and genuine, and the colors of the sky are so beautiful and so special. Nacre jewelry pieces are designed to be both understated and refined, yet also colorful and bold to evoke these qualities.

The entire Nacre collection can be viewed on Instagram where orders can be placed by private messages, or locally at Sunny Swell. They deliver internationally.

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Daniela Hoyos