Brand Alert - Santibe Bijoux

When Jane, Roxtons accessories buyer and Sam, the womenswear buyer, first discovered Santibe Bijoux in Paris two years ago there was a palpable excitement in the air! We loved the vibrant colours, the striking designs and the passion behind the brand. Our customers thrive on colour and here it was plentiful.

More recently, Jane caught up with the founder and owner Natalia Santibanez to chat about this beautiful jewellery collection and the story behind it.

Jane: In one line sum up the ethos of Santibe Bijoux:

Natalia: I was born in Patagonia and the creation of my jewellery collection is my way of bringing this remote territory closer to the rest of the world.

Jane: How did the journey begin?

Natalia: Whilst at the University oof Chile, my interest in fashion led me sell jewellery as a side line to family and friends. Very quickly, I became involved in designing my own pieces and learnt to master various jewellery making techniques.

Jane: And what happened next?

Natalia: Soon after this a department store bought some designs and over time stores across Chile began displaying my jewellery.

Jane: Was it easy expanding into Europe?

Natalia: Yes! By 2018, following various trips to Europe to visit carefully selected retailers, the brand became available in Madrid, Marbella and Ibiza. Today, most items are finished in our Paris studio and selected stores across the world are selling Santibe Bijoux.

Jane: Tell me about the processes involved in producing the designs…

Natalia: Each piece is handmade and involves threading tiny beads, pearls and crystals on to fine transparent thread before attaching to a gold-plated base. Some designs are created by tying little knots in waxed thread. Repetition of the same movement creates an intricate design, such as a star shape.

Jane: It looks as if it requires a great deal of patience!

Natalia: It requires patience, skilled techniques and precision. Our crafts people in South America do an amazing job!

Jane: Where is your favourite place to shop in Paris?

Natalia: I love going to "Le Marais", where there are independent creators who offer unique pieces. I've never liked to follow fashion. I think the best way to keep your self-confidence is to stay true to your own style.

Jane: Is there a piece of jewellery from your collection that you wear more than any other?

Natalia: Yes! Diamante earrings in grey. This piece, which is a timeless classic, shows us how craftsmanship, and its manufacturing process, is the chic signature of a multi-faceted look. I love to wear Patagonia to go for a wedding with a nice dress, for a dinner with a casual look or just to for a walk with friends.

Jane: What’s next for Santibe Bijoux?

Natalia: My dream is to continue bringing Patagonia to different corners of the world. To enlighten more women, is what motivates me every day to continue creating new designs. I look forward to developing new product lines and continue to surprise our loyal customers in Roxtons and the rest of the world.

Santibe Bijoux jewellery is handmade, gold plated, hypoallergenic and extremely light. Check it out in Roxtons shops and online at www.roxtons.co.uk