Formerly an art restorer in Rome, Harriet has successfully merged her artistic know-how with a deep sensitivity to materials and aesthetics. For over ten years, she has led a brand that embodies the beauty of nature and the depth of the ocean, while staying true to strong human values.
In this interview, she takes us behind the scenes of her work, her inspirations, and the story behind Oceano Pearls.
Hello, could you tell us what inspired your passion for jewelry and what led you to create your own brand?
I always loved jewelry, ever since I was a child. My mother is a collector and I grew up seeing many beautiful and unique pieces. After a career as an art restorer I was searching for jewelry that expressed my character and as I could not find exactly what I felt like wearing I decided to create my own brand, I wanted something unusual, wearable, modern and with a story. The pearl was underused and under-rated, I saw the opportunity to create a brand around pearls. Being native of Mauritius, I love the ocean, I am a keen swimmer and scuba diver so it was natural for me to express my love of the ocean by using pearls, natural treasures from the ocean.
Before founding Oceano Pearls, you worked as an art restorer. How did this experience shape your sense of aesthetics and influence the design of your jewelry today?
I studied Art History at the prestigious university in The Louvre and adored seeing beautiful forms of art, whether it was ceramics, architecture, paintings, sculptures. History fascinated me and understanding what pushed human beings to create works of art. I continued my studies in Rome becoming an Art Restorer and would be thrilled just walking the streets of the Eternal City, breathing in all this history. Such inspiration everywhere you looked. Proportions, colours, balance, exquisite Italian taste. Living in Tuscany and in Rome for 15 years were formative years to me which came to culmination when launching my own brand Oceano, aptly named Ocean in Italian, being a country which had such a big impact on me. The eye gets used to beauty, and all those years in Italy were for me fundamental to developing into the designer I am today.
Could you share with us the story behind the choice of name and what it represents to you?
I felt very close to Italy, very much at home there, speaking the language perfectly having been married to an Italian and my 3 children being born there. It was natural for me to want to express my nationalities though the name Oceano Pearls. In my family we regularly switch languages between Italian, English and French. In fact I chose to call each of my creations with French names of villages of Mauritius hence combining my 3 heritages.
Can you tell us about your creative process and the inspirations that guide you when designing your collections?
It all starts with an idea, then a schetch, then a mini scuplture. Over the years I made many sculptures in terracotta and a few bronzes. I like etching and drawing, I often get inspired whilst scubadiving and imagine how to integrate these organic shapes in jewelry. I make the prototype out of wax then my silversmith Ismet transforms it to silver, I then will wear it for comfort and to connect to how it makes me feel. I need pieces that are wearable in our modern world, functional yet original, bringing with us a memory, a piece of our lives, what we experienced and how we felt.
How would you describe the impact that each of your creations can have on those who choose and wear them daily?
I am extremely fortunate to have an extraordinary team working for me. Dedicated and passionate are 2 adjectives that are a staple for each member of Oceano. I wish all our clients feel the passion and joy creating each piece has brought to us. We are a small team of 9, each passionate and enthusiastic about what we do, from the creatives, the production, the marketing team, the sales managers we all have this same vision for Oceano. We love our island and wish to promote it through creating high quality, hand crafted unique pieces with a story.
As the founder and creator of jewelry for over ten years, and as a mother of three children, how do you manage to balance your professional and personal life while staying true to your creative vision?
It wasn’t always easy but I love what I do so it all falls into place. I started the business when my 3 children were 11 and 13 (I have twins) so it was an intense time. I wanted to be present for the children and I was working at creating my business. My priority was being present for my children so my business took time to grow. Once they left home I could focus my full attention on Oceano. I think it is important as an example for my now grown-up children to see their mother pursuing her vision and believing in herself (often against many odds!).
Finally, to end on a more personal note, if you were...
- A pearl: a Champagne South Sea Pearl
- A place: Positano
- A color: gold
- An emotion: joy
