NATASHA DAHLBERG Ibiza Bohemian Luxury Jewellery
From her formative years growing up in Ibiza, Natasha Dahlberg’s designs epitomise the essence of Bohemian luxury. Absolute’s Kasia discovers more about this talented jewellery designer and her sublime hand-made pieces.
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Your beautiful creations genuinely epitomise the bohemian Ibiza essence. Tell us about growing up on the White Island?
I was lucky enough to grow up in Ibiza in the late 70’s, and 80’s when it was at its wildest, most unspoilt and enchanting. It was full of colourful trailblazers from all over the world who chanced upon the island and tapped into its magic. It felt to me like my parents, and their friends were like the original cast and crew of Ibiza. They set the template for the wild full moon parties, the glamorous discos, the bohemian hippie markets. All of this against the backdrop of the intense physical beauty of the place has made me feel extremely privileged to have grown up there.
How do you compare the current lifestyle on the island with your childhood days?
The incredible thing about Ibiza is its resilience. One would imagine with the huge amount of traffic coming through that it would lose some of its magic but you only have to turn up on one of the beaches early in the morning or stand in a field full of almond blossom and nothing’s changed. Sadly the days of not needing much money to live on the island are over, and that makes it tough as a permanent home for many people. It’s a rich man’s game now.
How did you start and develop your jewellery business?
I was working as an actress and needed another string to my bow to support myself. Luckily my parents were collectors of beautiful gems and beads, so it seemed natural to me to use these in my designs. Initially, I sold jewellery to my friends, and it sort of grew from there. I began selling in small boutiques like The Cross, then Harvey Nichols and Liberty. I did a small collection for Matthew Williamson and was lucky enough to get a loyal client base in New York, London and Ibiza
What materials do you like to use?
The natural world produces such a beautiful array of precious and semi-precious material that it’s almost impossible to choose. For me it depends on the mood of a collection; for example, I designed one recently called ‘Sunken Treasures’ where I used natural Tahitian and South sea pearls combined with antique gold charms to create a story. I enjoy taking materials like diamonds and emeralds which are often handled in a traditional way in jewellery design and making them more approachable and mixing them in unexpected ways.
Who is your typical client?
I’m thrilled to say I don’t have a typical client; my jewellery seems to attract people of all ages and walks of life, and I feel very proud that it appeals to such a cross-section of people. To me, that feels like I’m getting something right. I will say a trait all my customers share is an eye for something a little bit different.
Your collections evoke both a bohemian and glamorous style. How do you define luxury?
I like the idea of making luxury something accessible; wearing black diamonds with a bikini on the beach, combing serious pearls with funky charms and flip-flops. Luxury to me has to be something that awakens your senses but at the same time makes you feel comfortable. Gold is a great example of luxury; it always enhances and warms its wearer.
Tell us about your most exclusive jewellery piece to date?
I made a necklace called “The Galaxy” in which I used hundreds of champagne coloured diamonds and gold beads to create a piece which reminded me of a milky way of stars and planets.
How do you occupy yourself during the winter months?
My winter months are spent in Ovingdean, just outside Brighton. I’m lucky enough to live in a beautiful Arts and Crafts era house with a gorgeous view of both the South Downs and the sea. Designing jewellery collections, writing screenplays and bringing up three children takes up all my time and my life is very busy.
What is your favourite Ibiza place everyone should visit and why?
Not an easy question to answer as I have so many places I adore, but I have to say sitting on Benirras beach in the early morning sun with a cafe con leche after a swim to the rock is pretty much as good as it gets.
Kasia Kash
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