I handcraft the perfect gift or treasure to keep - distinctive, delicate and sustainably elegant eco jewellery.
Curlicue NZ offers sustainable jewellery for eco-aware people. All pieces are lovingly handcrafted to order from my sunlit solar-powered home in Titirangi, West Auckland in New Zealand. Many pieces are made from 100% recycled Sterling Silver such as in my Leaves Collection; and other sustainably sourced materials such as my hand-polished Kauri Gum necklaces.
Cultured freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones also feature in many of my designs – and I even reuse and up-cycle materials such as in my R3 Milk Bottle Earrings.
You might be interested in the story behind Curlicue NZ, which explains my strong environmental connections and values, or my blog post on the 9 reasons you should buy Eco Jewellery. Another useful post is how to care for and clean your jewellery.
Hi! I’m Suzie Horne
I’m the Designer/ Creator/ Owner of Curlicue NZ.
I believe:
#1
Handmade eco jewellery should make you feel gorgeous and be affordable!
#2
Handcrafted jewellery can last forever, if it is well cared for.
#3
In zero waste – by reusing as many materials as possible.
#4
Amazing customer service. Personal connection and the human touch is vital.
About Me:
As a former Environmental Planner and Ecologist, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for me – it’s how I live. I understand the impact humans have on our planet, which is why every aspect of my jewellery-making reflects zero-waste principles and environmental awareness. I use sustainable materials including recycled metals, cultured pearls and semi-precious stones, man-made crystals, and hand-polished NZ Kauri Gum. Like most Kiwis, I really love – and am inspired by our native bush and the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
Creativity has always been part of who I am – making, painting, and handcrafting since childhood. After being diagnosed with Chronic Pain in 2012, I could no longer work traditional office hours. So I created Curlicue NZ: a one-woman business that works around my health, with no weird hours affecting anyone but me!
Conservation remains my passion, spilling into every part of my life – from our family holidays to the recycling boxes dotted around our house. I’ve fundraised for numerous charities over the years and channel my love of helping people into creating something meaningful for you.
I craft the perfect gift or treasure to keep. Something truly special that makes you feel beautiful, elegant, and cherished. Distinctive yet timeless pieces, made to last and made especially for you. No factory production here. Each piece is individually handmade to order by my hands in my Titirangi home studio. Your piece will look almost identical to the photographs, but slight variations in shape and detail are part of the value and beauty of genuine handmade jewellery.
What I stand for:
SUSTAINABILITY:
High quality eco jewellery made from sustainably sourced, recycled materials — crafted to last a lifetime and beyond, not end up in landfill.
FAMILY:
My family always comes first — and so does yours. Whether you’re treating yourself or finding the perfect gift for someone you love, I put the same care into every single piece.
INTEGRITY:
Honesty, respect, and compassion drive everything I do. I genuinely care about every customer and every piece I make. If something isn’t perfect, I’ll remake it until we’re both truly happy.
Interesting Things About Me:
I’m an INFJ (world’s rarest Myers-Briggs Personality type) and an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
INFJ’s are typically known for being rare, empathetic and idealistic individuals driven by deep values. They are dedicated to helping others and seek authentic, meaningful relationships.
Going to Kruger National Park in South Africa every few years has been our family’s “regular holiday destination” since 2003. It’s expensive to get there, but we love the sights, sounds, smells and seeing wild animals in their natural habitats – a truly amazing – and different experience every time! We love it and it has only increased our passion for conservation.
My studio ‘helpers’ – our cats Tinkerbell & Silky – love to sit on my jewellery desk or hang out in my office space, usually being very vocal!
Tinkerbell is a regular moggy – a grey longhaired tabby. Silky is a Maine Coon and weighs 10kg!! Larger than some small dogs!
A “curlicue” is a double ended spiral or flourish. I use so many spirals in my designs, and really wanted an interesting name ~ so Curlicue NZ was created in 2013 (the “NZ” is to show all items are handmade in New Zealand.)
Behind the Scenes:
I’m the model – and also the guinea pig for all Curlicue NZ designs. I will design, create, then wear pieces (unless they’re a custom made piece for you!) to test out their wearability. Sometimes, great ideas just don’t work – and it’s back to the drawing board!
All designs, practice pieces and final creations are lovingly handcrafted by me at my solar-powered downstairs home studio, overlooking our garden in Titirangi, West Auckland, New Zealand.
Want to see more of what goes on behind the scenes? I share monthly updates, new arrivals, and the occasional peek into studio life — join Curlicue’s Clan below and get 10% off your first order →
“Simply perfect.
Suzie went above and beyond to make my pendant necklace idea a reality. From prototype to completion the process was a wonderful mix of both great communication and collaboration. Thank you so very much”
~Paulette Hayes
“Gorgeous handcrafted crystal pearl earrings with exceptional attention to detail. Suzie went above and beyond, rushing my overseas order even after her Christmas deadline and keeping me updated throughout. Delivered internationally within days. Will gladly shop again.”
~ Jenny Hudson
“Suzie’s enthusiasm and unflappable support made this a memorable experience, even through difficulties. It’s rare to find such exquisite handmade jewellery combined with genuine personal touch and care throughout the entire process.”
~Paul Brown