The Algarve lifestyle brand celebrates authenticity through designs that place meaning and intention at the heart of every piece
At a time when the fashion industry is driven by mass production, there are still people who value the essence, intention and authenticity behind every piece they create.
That philosophy lies at the heart of Natura do Mar, a jewellery and accessories brand founded by Italian-born Sara Girometti and developed alongside her partner, Nicolas Mattia, in the Algarve.
There is an unmistakable connection to the ocean and the natural world in each of the brand’s creations. Through a creative vision shaped by simplicity and individuality, Natura do Mar celebrates the uniqueness of those who wear its pieces.
Originally from Rimini, Sara moved to Portugal 11 years ago, whilst Nicolas arrived around 15 years ago. Surfing was what first brought them both to the Algarve, fostering a deep connection to the sea and a lifestyle rooted in authenticity.
Today, they call Lagos home, drawn to what Sara describes as its “beauty, simplicity and natural energy”.
It was this sense of tranquillity that encouraged Sara to explore her creativity more fully. During the pandemic, a personal project gradually evolved into a brand with its own identity.
“I had always wanted to create something of my own, to build a brand and make unique pieces and accessories with my own hands,” she recalls.
Without a solid plan or clear commercial expectations, Sara let her creativity flow and the project grew organically, driven by the positive response people had to the first pieces she created.
“When I saw the interest people showed in our accessories and the connection they created with them, I realised it made sense to turn this vision into an artistic lifestyle brand, with jewellery and accessories that are unique, simple and sophisticated at the same time,” she explains.
Sara first developed her creative sensibility at the Art Graphics and Design School in Rimini, where she trained as a Master of Arts. Later, she brought her experience, talent and dedication to the Algarve where, together with Nicolas – an English photographer and artist with Italian roots and a degree in Geography – she found the ideal setting to build a life around the values they share.
“We have the same creative vision and the same connection to the sea, nature and the lifestyle that inspires Natura do Mar today,” says Sara.
The brand’s name captures its essence. The sea is not only its main aesthetic inspiration but also a reflection of the identity Sara and Nicolas have built together. The same idea is reflected in the logo, which represents both the place they call home and their connection to the ocean.
“The triangle symbolises water, the N and M – the initials of Natura do Mar – form two waves, and the dot represents the word ‘of’,” explains Sara. “Together, they create a symbolic language connected to the ocean and the movement of the sea.”
The symbolism extends beyond the logo, as Natura do Mar also reflects the meeting of two countries and two cultures. Sara’s Italian roots combine with the energy of the Algarve to create a distinctive visual identity.
“There’s a natural fusion between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic in our work. The Mediterranean is connected to my Italian roots and to the fact that some of our creations are made in my hometown in Italy. The Atlantic represents the reason why we chose to create and develop the brand here in the Algarve,” she explains.
That influence is evident in the soft, neutral colours and in the materials used throughout the collections, including stainless steel, silver and natural stones, chosen for their “quality, durability and timeless beauty”.
Whilst the brand embraces a refined aesthetic, it never loses sight of simplicity, achieved through what Sara describes as “a minimalist yet emotional language”.
She believes that, at a time when fast consumption is increasingly becoming the norm, it is important to value craftsmanship because “it’s a way of preserving a more authentic form of creation, made with time, emotion and identity”.
That authenticity is present in every collection. Although inspiration may come from different sources, from observing nature to discovering other creative brands, the result is always filtered through a very personal perspective that ensures consistency with Natura do Mar’s identity.
At the centre of the process is the emotional connection people create with the pieces. “It’s beautiful to see how people identify with our products and how they become part of their identity,” Sara says.
The Algarve has remained a constant source of inspiration throughout the brand’s journey. Beyond the ocean itself, the region’s light, geology, cliffs and native vegetation have become fundamental elements in the creative process.
“This is where the brand was born and where it grew. This place allowed us to bring the project to life and expand it naturally.” As with many independent businesses, Sara’s greatest challenge was not necessarily production or management, but believing in her own vision.
Today, Natura do Mar has a physical store in Lagos, a space that reflects the brand’s growth whilst reinforcing its connection to the place where everything began.
“We want people to recognise us through our elegant and simple aesthetic and to keep coming back to discover new pieces, knowing they will always find something exclusive, refined and authentic,” says Sara.
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