Travel, Tradition, and Timeless Design: The Story of Curious Blu Jewellery

“I love creating designs that feel connected to the world around us. There’s something incredibly grounding about wearing a piece of jewellery that has a story, especially one that’s inspired by nature and crafted with care.”

Curious Blu, the jewellery brand created by Shannon Liebenberg, is a unique expression of elegance inspired by nature and global travel. Shannon’s jewellery journey began in an unexpected yet profoundly impactful way during her travels through Africa, where she was captivated by a handcrafted bracelet made by women in a small village. This beautifully simple piece sparked Shannon's fascination with jewellery and marked the beginning of her path to creating meaningful, timeless designs.

Curious Blu will be featured at the upcoming Claremont Artisan Markets on November 16, 2024, where Shannon will showcase her latest collection, including the new Organic Studs in both Silver and Gold—perfect pieces for the festive season and year-end celebrations.

The Heart of Curious Blu

Curious Blu embodies Shannon's love for travel and natural beauty, which is evident in each of her designs. Shannon starts each piece by sketching ideas, capturing elements from landscapes and cultural experiences that have touched her throughout her journeys. With nature as her primary muse, Shannon’s designs balance classic shapes with modern aesthetics, resulting in jewellery that resonates deeply with wearers seeking pieces that are both unique and timeless.

Shannon shares, “I love creating designs that feel connected to the world around us. There’s something incredibly grounding about wearing a piece of jewellery that has a story, especially one that’s inspired by nature and crafted with care.”

After the initial design phase, Shannon collaborates with her talented silversmith team in Bali, who bring her visions to life using high-quality materials such as 925 silver, 18kt gold plate, and carefully selected gemstones, both natural and lab-created. This collaborative effort has fostered a close relationship with her artisans, who Shannon treats like family, ensuring they work in fair conditions with respect and appreciation.

Crafting with Care and Sustainability

Ethics and sustainability are core values at Curious Blu. Shannon is deeply committed to operating her business in a way that respects both people and the planet. Her jewellery pieces are packaged sustainably, without any plastic, in beautiful, eco-friendly materials. Curious Blu’s commitment to ethical practices extends to every element of production, from sourcing materials to the working conditions of her silversmiths in Bali.

“The wellbeing of my team is something I hold in high regard,” Shannon says. “I’ve always made sure their working conditions are comfortable and their hours reasonable, allowing them to spend time with their families. It’s important to me that everyone involved in Curious Blu feels respected and valued.”

This care for her team was especially vital during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Bali hard. Shannon did her best to ensure her silversmiths had a consistent flow of work, offering stability during a difficult period. “While COVID was challenging for everyone, it was especially tough on my team in Bali,” she explains. “Being able to support them through that time was incredibly meaningful to me.”

A Journey of Growth and Passion

Curious Blu started as a side project but has since blossomed into Shannon’s full-time passion and career. Five years ago, she took the bold leap to dedicate herself entirely to her jewelry business, a decision that has been both challenging and rewarding. Now, Curious Blu is known for pieces that blend classic design with a fresh twist, appealing to customers looking for something special.

One of Shannon's most cherished moments as a designer is hearing feedback from customers who return time and again for what they call their “forever pieces.” Curious Blu's jewellery has a way of becoming a beloved part of a person's life, and Shannon often finds herself receiving compliments from strangers who admire the pieces she’s wearing.

“It’s incredibly rewarding when people notice and appreciate the designs, sometimes even before they know I’m the designer,” Shannon shares. “Knowing that our jewellery brings joy to our customers makes all the challenges worth it.”

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

As Curious Blu continues to grow, Shannon is committed to her original vision of creating beautiful jewellery with meaning. Her goal is simple: to keep designing pieces that bring joy and create connections. She loves seeing the smiles of customers as they make a purchase that resonates with them, and she looks forward to creating more designs that capture the beauty of the world around us.

For Shannon, the market experience itself is another source of inspiration. “Being part of a market community allows me to meet so many wonderful people, both customers and fellow creatives,” she says. “It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this environment and share my work with others.”

Curious Blu’s upcoming event on November 16, 2024, will feature Shannon’s latest creations, including her Organic Studs, a newly launched design available in both Silver and Gold. These versatile studs are ideal for the festive season, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit and making them a perfect gift choice as the year draws to a close.

Visit Curious Blu at the Market

If you’re attending the November 16 market, make sure to stop by the Curious Blu stall to meet Shannon and explore her beautiful collection. You can also connect with Curious Blu on Instagram at @curious.blu to stay updated on new designs, sustainable practices, and travel-inspired collections.

Curious Blu stands as a testament to Shannon’s dedication to artistry, ethics, and sustainability. With designs that capture the spirit of exploration and a commitment to quality, Shannon’s jewellery is truly more than just an accessory; it’s a meaningful connection to the world and a celebration of natural beauty.