Zoë Davies from Caja Jewellery. Image supplied.
Zoë Davies is the founder and designer of Caja Jewellery which she launched in 2014. Zoë designs and handcrafts each piece of jewellery herself in her Papamoa studio before working closely with a small team of artisan jewellers in Bali to ethically produce her collections. Her beautiful jewellery is born out of Zoë’s love for sentimental treasures and each design is carefully handmade to last so it can be passed on to the next generation. Zoë believes in slow fashion, choosing quality over quantity and responsibly sourcing her gemstones with people and the planet in mind.
We caught up with Zoe to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My latest collection La Mer takes inspiration from the ebbs and flows of tidal patterns and natural treasures lost at sea.
I’ve always had such a strong connection to the sea. Growing up in Cornwall England, I spent my childhood at the beach. Swimming, surfing, rock pooling… I was always in the water! The concept of La Mer is based on the soul and energy of the sea, how it makes you feel so alive, empowered and in the moment. I design jewellery so each piece tells a story, to become sentimental heirlooms for you to cherish. A personal favourite of mine from La Mer is the Drifter Ring. I designed this ring to resemble an old treasure that had washed ashore, tumbled by the sand and rolling waves.
What made you become a designer?
During a surf trip to beautiful Bali I took a silversmithing class and completely fell in love with the process. Jewellery has always been an obsession of mine and it just suddenly clicked that I wanted to start my own line. I returned home and spent my savings on silver and tools and started creating pieces from an old desk in my bedroom!
Fast forward a couple of years and I now have an incredible team based in Bali that ethically handcraft my designs. It’s pretty special that it’s where I took my first class and it’s now where Caja is made.
Jewellery from Caja’s La Mer collection.
What inspires you?
I will forever be inspired by the beauty of travel and natural wonders. My biggest inspiration though is women and the hope that my jewellery makes them feel their most confident and beautiful self. I design jewellery with the intention to accentuate beauty that is already there.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Jewellery to me is such a special and sentimental extension of your own personal style. I like to use my clothing as a canvas to frame my jewellery, mostly keeping it minimal and letting the jewellery shine.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My surfboard, she would be jealous if I said anything else.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Jewellery of course! Invest in high quality, timeless pieces… take good care of them and they will last forever.
I also believe everyone needs a dress that I like to call a magic dress. One that every time you wear it you feel comfortable, confident and your best self.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
A classic my Mother taught me, less is always more.
Jewellery from Caja’s La Mer collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Definitely releasing La Mer and seeing my ideas come to life. It’s my first collection designed entirely from one concept that I developed with my team in Bali, and then had photographed on 35mm film. The campaign shoot is stunning and I am very proud. I know I will always look back at this as a milestone in my career. I already have ideas for the next couple of collections and I’m SO excited to bring them to life.
What can’t you live without?
Loved ones, nature, music and travel. And sriracha!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Fast fashion, crocs, or a face full of foundation.
Images supplied.