Meet Nathalie

Still loving what I do best — making Gemtrees.

45 Years of Making Gemtrees

I started making Gemtrees in my parents’ garage at the age of 16, back in 1981.

My father had seen a gemstone tree overseas and came home with some materials to make one himself. He created something that looked more like a TV antenna than a tree — sorry Dad!

My mother, with her wonderful artistic eye, saw the potential. She picked up the tree, twisted it just right and made a few adjustments.

And there it was — my first Gemtree.

That moment started something very special for me.

From a Market Stall to a Lifelong Craft

A few weeks later, I went to my first market with a small stock of trees, a rickety table, a handwritten birthstone list and my very stylish mother in high heels.

I was far too timid to ask for a good spot, so Mum did it for me.

We sold out.

My mother turned out to be a champion salesperson, and just like that, I was in business.

That summer we moved to Queenstown, where I had a little stall on Queenstown Mall. I sourced my stone bases from around the lake, sold my trees during the day and twisted new ones in the evenings or whenever it rained.

It was there that I realised Gemtrees would always be my craft.

I find twisting the wire relaxing, and over the years I’ve even learned to do it while watching television!

A Life of Gemtrees

Life took me in different directions over the years. After losing my father at a young age, Mum and I returned to Europe for a time.

In Mallorca, Spain, I threw myself into making Gemtrees. We opened a shop, worked with business partners and sold at markets throughout the island, sometimes attending as many as 12 markets a week.

I discovered that people from all over the world were fascinated by gemstones and the traditional meanings and symbolism attached to them.

I’ve since made and sold Gemtrees in the countries I’ve lived in — Spain, New Zealand and Australia. I’ve had other jobs along the way, but I’ve always come back to my trees.

They make me happy. They give me a sense of purpose, and after 45 years, I still love making them.

Inspired by New Zealand

Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve loved using local stones for my Gemtree bases.

But nothing compares to the South Island of New Zealand.

The rivers, mountains and wild landscapes provide beautiful stones that make every Gemtree unique. Today, I use stones gathered from around Queenstown and the wider South Island, giving each tree a genuine connection to this special part of New Zealand.

Coming Full Circle

For many years, Nelson was home. I loved being part of the Nelson Market community and meeting customers from New Zealand and around the world.

Now, I’ve returned to Queenstown — the place where my Gemtree journey began all those years ago.

After 45 years, it really does feel like I’ve come full circle.

I’m still making every Gemtree by hand, still twisting the branches, still choosing beautiful stones — and still loving what I do.

Handmade in New Zealand since 1981.

Thank you, Mum and Dad. xx

Nathalie