Handcrafted in Byron by local maker Ash, each Tahuna piece is shaped with natural gems, organic forms and refined craftsmanship.

Unique, textural and made in small batches, jewellery created with intention.

We sat down with Ash to learn more about her story, her process, and the inspiration behind Tahuna Collective.

How did Tahuna Collective begin, and what drew you into creating jewellery as a new creative outlet? I studied fashion design at university, so sewing and making my own clothes was always my creative outlet. Later I moved into product development in the fashion industry, which I’ve loved, but working on clothing every day meant I was doing less of it for myself. It started to feel like work rather than play. Jewellery became a way to explore something new creatively - still hands-on and in the fashion space,  but a new skill to learn that felt fresh and exciting.

Your great-grandmother’s pieces are a big part of your story. How has her jewellery influenced the way you design for women today? I was bequeathed a 1970’s gold ring with a topaz stone when she passed away. I loved the sentiment of it - jewellery that’s worn, loved, and passed on almost 50 years later. I lean into shapes that feel androgynous and timeless. I hope that my jewellery will be worn daily, and passed on someday.

You work with silver, lost-wax casting, and handcrafted beading. What led you to these materials, and what do you love about how they age and evolve? I work with recycled solid metals, mostly sterling silver and 9ct gold. I was inspired by my grandmother's rings, and frustrated by cheap plated metals in the market. I prefer materials that age with you, that can be repaired or re-polished, and that hold their value. Wherever I can, I thrift or repurpose materials too.The beaded necklaces bring in a different kind of energy. Stones and pearls allow me to play with new colours and textures, so arranging them feels intuitive and more relaxed than working in metal.

Nature and organic form are central to your aesthetic. What inspires the shapes and textures behind your beaded necklaces and cast pieces? My work isn’t perfect, I’m still learning and experimenting — and that shows in the pieces. I don’t want them to feel too polished or overly refined. I take cues from the environment around me, patterns in sand, the ocean, the sky, geometric forms, subtle textures. Organic shapes that feel a little irregular and honest. I also love exploring jewellery history; it’s a visual record of how cultures expressed identity and is endlessly fascinating

Every piece is handcrafted in the Northern Rivers. How does living and working here shape the jewellery you create? The Northern Rivers has an incredibly supportive creative community. People genuinely get behind small makers, which has encouraged me to keep experimenting and growing. The lifestyle, and the natural environment are all a big influence too. It’s hard not to be inspired here.