Sarah Austin is breathing new life into vintage treasures at her jewellery business Maebel which is bringing international pieces to local collectors.

“I absolutely love jewellery and always have. I believe it should be worn, enjoyed and celebrated.”

Maebel’s current collection has been widely sourced from New Zealand, the UK, USA and Japan. Sarah says every piece is individual and has its own story to tell and by acquiring high-value, vintage jewellery it allows that story to continue. 

“What joy can it give sitting in a drawer? It’s important to find a piece you like and wear it because you love it. By creating a business like this it’s keeping beautiful jewellery in circulation and still being enjoyed without putting further strain on the resources of the planet.”

Maebel’s sustainable approach extends to the bespoke, wooden jewellery boxes that cradle every piece. The innovative boxes are designed by Give Packaging, a Wellington-based company she admires for its transparent, sustainable business practice.

Sarah is also learning to create silver and copper jewellery with aspirations to design her own line.

“In the future I would love to extend the business by designing pieces that use pre-loved or vintage jewellery, stones and recycled gold to create gorgeous new pieces that are unique and stunning.”

Her passion for jewellery began when she first started collecting pieces at a young age and evolved into a profession after working for more than XX years in the industry. 

It was this life-long dedication to jewellery that led Sarah to name her business Maebel, which derives from the old French meaning of loveable or to love – a sentiment she hopes every customer feels when wearing one of the timeless, curated pieces. 

“Ultimately I want people to love and enjoy any jewellery I sell. It’s important to me that customers feel no pressure to buy and I want them to go home feeling thrilled with their purchase. This can only be achieved if they fall in love with it in the first place.”

Where to find Maebel

This winter, Maebel will host pop-up stalls at Sherwood’s Workshop 554 Frankton Road on Saturdays: June 28, July 12, July 19 and August 2 from 10:30am until 4.00pm.

Follow Maebel on Instagram @maebel.jewellery or visit www.maebel.co.nz to view the current collection.