Nella Lofts’ collection began with a coin. Not just any coin, but a 1950 Australian penny her father had kept as a memento of her year of birth to present to her on her fiftieth birthday.
This penny commemorates the undying love between a father and his daughter and it has much sentimental value for Nella. After the loss of her father in 2009 Nella’s desire to keep his memory alive led to her placing the penny into a necklace for herself, which in turn gave birth to her new business, Sebastianella Jewellery. Nella named this piece of jewellery “Sarago” which was her father’s nickname when he was a young man in Sicily.
Every item of Sebastianella jewellery is designed and handmade by Nella, with a view to crafting a beautiful, unique piece made with style, elegance and love. The majority of Sebastianella creations comprise of vintage Australian coins, sterling silver, sterling silver plated, rose gold plated, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones and beads. All are handmade in Melbourne.
Fast forward to the year 2014, Susan Bajada a lifetime friend for over forty years joins Nella to create a great partnership. They met in their twenties at a card night organized by their husbands. In their 30’s their spousal relationships ended, but their bond of friendship simply got stronger.
The girls have distinctive roles in the business, Nella being the creative and pig headed one and Susan in sales and marketing is the hot headed one. This can cause problems when they think they are both right.
Add to this the volatility generated by their Southern Italian roots and one would be excused for wondering how they have remained friends for such a long time.
Neither takes a backward step, neither walks away from confrontation, but somehow it works. Somehow the decisions are arrived at and somehow the results continue to be achieved. The answer of course is a great mutual respect of each other’s abilities and a great understanding of what is in the best interest of the business.
Nella works from her home workshop in Reservoir with her loyal pet dog, Bella, watching her from the cosy sofa.
Susan works from her highly decorated Newport office basking in all her glory with a cup of tea in hand.
Sebastianella’s mission statement is simple – to continue to create (from the heart) gorgeous, fashionable and affordable pieces of jewellery for the perfect gift, whilst supporting deserving fundraising causes.
CURRENT FUNDRAISING PROJECT- TEAL DAY
Sebastianella Jewellery proudly supports RoCan (Rotary Ovarian Cancer Research) by donating $15 from the sale of every $25 bracelet sold and $30 from the sale of every $60 necklace for the Teal Day Long Supper held on the Pier at Seaworks Williamstown, Sunday 22nd February, 2015. Other charities they continue to support are: National Breast Cancer Foundation, RoCan, Makeup Free Me (eating disorders), Bravehearts (educate, empower and protect our kids)
Sebastianella Jewellery & Fundraising bracelets available online @ www.sebastianella.com.au
