Nathalie Gumbs’ jewelry store is as pretty as a pearl, just like its owner. Open since 2011 in Gustavia, NG Création represents the fruits of Nathalie’s travels, as well as her pieces she has simply fallen in love with. She presents the work of confirmed designers as well as her own personal creations. Her signature design: the heart of Saint Barth.
How did you get involved with jewelry? What do you like about this art form?
“I was always attracted by jewelry. But what I really wanted to do was travel. So I said why not do both at the same time? I went to the South of France to learn about working in boutiques then I enrolled in a school in New York (Jewelry Institute of America). I discovered Italy in Florence. I learned about my future profession by learning about the world of jewelry, but also by learning languages and immersing myself in different cultures. And I have never lost that love for travel. Even now I need to spend several weeks away from Saint Barth, to escape, to get motivated again. I really get fidgety! Even though I love the island where I was born, and it inspires me, traveling allows me to expand my design ideas as well as the pieces I select, and sometime I find perfect little nuggets. In Argentina, I discovered rhodochrosite (a lovely rosy-pink stone). When I got back, I used it to design a ring and earrings.”
Clearly, you follow your instinct.
“Exactly! When I created my first piece of jewelry: the heart of Saint Barth, a white-gold pendant with a
What sort of jewelry do you have in your shop?
“I have developed a taste for mini-jewelry. Small pieces you wear like tattoos that melt into the skin—very discrete and very feminine. I also like pieces that are representative and have a symbol, such as a Buddha, a word, or an animal… For me, a piece of jewelry is like a piece of one’s self, so it should make sense. And the mini-jewelry also has a delicate side to it. I really go with things that appeal to me and the niche designers I show in my boutique are really creators that I am fond of. They also help keep me abreast of current trends. I have confidence in them and find that my clients like them as well. I like it when they say, “hey, we haven’t seen this piece anyplace else.” Here in Saint Barth, some clients don’t have any budget restrictions so I can please myself in making selections for them. They like exclusivity, as I do!”
NG CRÉATION
20 Rue du roi oscar II
Gustavia
97133 St Barthélémy
