Our
Story
“From the majestic humpback whale to the delicate sea star – the ocean is a world treasure too precious to lose.”
— Nick Thorp
Jewellery with a Conscience
World Treasure Designs is a small, independent jewellery business specialising in 100% Australian made, ethical and sustainable jewellery. Our exclusive designs are locally inspired and locally made, featuring Australian gemstones and sustainably sourced metals. Everything is carefully handcrafted, from design sketch to final stone setting, right here in our studio workshop in Hervey Bay, Queensland.
Owned by Nick and Allison Thorp, World Treasure Designs is the latest venture of the Thorp family, who have owned and operated jewellery stores in Australia since 1948. In 2012, after more than two decades in the jewellery industry, Nick decided to launch an independent jewellery boutique that better aligned with his values. Values that included a focus on quality-made products, a commitment to social and environmental responsibility and a strong business culture. And so, World Treasure Designs was born.
Ocean Inspired
Nick grew up in the ocean, diving for abalone and crayfish in the cold waters of Tasmania, before moving to Hervey Bay, the “whale watching capital of the world”. Now an avid scuba diver and part-time skipper for a local whale watching boat, Nick’s love for the ocean and marine life has only grown. Combining this passion with his skills as a jeweller, Nick launched the Ocean Collection in an effort to raise awareness and cultivate a greater love for threatened marine species. Inspired by the wildlife he found in his own backyard on the beautiful Fraser Coast, Nick’s designs are creative and exquisitely detailed – a reflection of countless hours spent studying these creatures from above, and below, the surface.
In particular, the humpback whale designs were inspired by Nala, Hervey Bay’s very own and much loved iconic humpback whale. Recognizable by her fluke, or tail, Nala has been sighted in Hervey Bay for over 20 years now and her life journey is celebrated throughout the jewellery collection. In an effort to help protect our precious oceans for future generations, we donate at least 1% of every purchase towards ocean conservation.
Locally Made
From locally inspired to locally made, all of our jewellery is still handcrafted right here in Hervey Bay, Australia. With the completion of our new state-of-the-art jewellery workshop in 2018, we now have five trade-qualified jewellers, designers and specialty setters on premises. In addition to our exclusive jewellery collections, we specialise in a range of jewellery services – from jewellery repairs, remodeling and engraving, to custom bespoke designs.
An award-winning jeweller, Nick and his team are known for designing and creating unique and innovative designs. Pair that with a belief in the kind of old-fashioned customer service you can expect from a family-run business. Knowing that jewellery can hold a significant amount of sentimental value to the wearer, we believe no job is too small. From resizing a ring, to a simple chain repair, we treat every piece we work on as if it were our own.
Responsible Business
As ocean and nature lovers first and foremost, we strive to run our business as a reflection of our values and those of our customers. This means making 100% of our jewellery right here in Australia, utilizing responsible and sustainable materials, and giving back to protect the earth we love.
As an environmentally conscious business, we use recycled precious metals (all of our silver is 100% recycled!), eco-friendly packaging, and run our jewellery workshop on solar power. As a member of 1% For the Planet, we donate a portion of every sale towards environmental causes, meaning every purchase helps to protect and preserve our beautiful planet for future generations.
To learn more:
100% Australian Made
How we actually make our jewellery and why we believe manufacturing here in Australia is so important.
Sustainably
Sourced
From utilizing recycled precious metals to ethically mined gemstones, we are proving that quality jewellery doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Our Forever
Guarantee
We literally guarantee our jewellery to last forever. For you and for our planet.
Giving
Back
As a member of 1% For The Planet, we donate at least 1% of every purchase to environmental organizations. See what your purchase helps support.
Join the
Movement
Tread lightly on the earth and be kind to it’s creatures. Buy products and support businesses that align with values you believe in.
Meet
the Team
Take a peek behind the curtain and let us introduce you to our team of rockstars making the magic happen!
For more information on shipping, returns, exchanges and more, please see Our Policies.
“There is enough destruction and exploitation going on; what I love to see are the people who are recognizing the negatives and transmuting them into something that resembles a silver lining. Allison and Nick Thorp, the owners of World Treasure Designs, are two such people that are not just making silver linings…they’re making silver magic.”
— Lauren Fritz, Eco-Journalist @ The Greenest Blue
For even more about our jewellery and business ethos, continue reading →
