Creating handcrafted keepsakes that you can hold in your heart forever
Why am I so passionate about creating keepsakes for your family?
If you’ve loved someone and they’re no longer with you.
If you’ve experienced a life-changing event that’s changed your world forever.
If you want to share something of your past with your future.
Then you will understand where my passion for creation comes from.
When you have a special connection with someone – be it a child, parent, grandparent or mentor – they will be forever in your heart. They will always have a piece of you, and you will always want to keep those memories alive.
But in an ever-increasing disposable world, I fear we’re losing the ability to create keepsakes that can be passed down through the generations. Mementos that hold memories and stories and tales of the past. Items that are beautifully hand-crafted, with attention to detail and the love of the work poured into them. This is why I created Keepsakes by Nicoleta.
Why choose Keepsakes by Nicoleta?
Finding someone you trust with your treasured memories isn’t an easy task. You want someone who cares about your items as much as you do. You want them to have the time to listen to you – your story, your ideas, your heart. And while most creators mean well, not everyone does this well. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive so many thank-yous for the keepsakes I’ve created. And here’s why I think Keepsakes by Nicoleta has continued success.
How did Keepsakes by Nicoleta come about?
Keepsakes by Nicoleta started before I had children of my own and long before I knew I wanted to share my ideas and my craft.
It began with a little girl, growing up in Romania, being raised by my grandmother and being taught to sew, knit, crochet, paint and be crafty. It was endless hours sitting beside her, listening to her stories. Hearing about the world that was, and how it had changed and where my place in it was going to be. It was making things we could use every day or keep forever to treasure.
But I didn’t pursue design or fashion when I grew up. My creative side was purely for enjoyment and relaxation.
I qualified as an accountant and loved using the other side of my brain that explored analytics, investigation and a thirst for knowledge. When I moved to Australia in 2010, I completed a second degree in Business as I knew that one day, I wanted to work for myself. I just didn’t know in what capacity.
It was when I had my first baby, Kathryn, that I had the chance to see how I could combine the two sides of me – the creative and the practical. I was on maternity leave and I wasn’t used to not working. I also wasn’t used to not being financially independent, so the desire to create a business that would work around my family was strong.
My little girl was growing up so fast. I had all of these beautiful clothes that held such wonderful memories, that I couldn’t throw them away. And I wanted a way to find something that would honour my Grandmother. She was such an important part of my life, that I wanted to bring her memory into our growing family.
So, I created my first keepsakes! I showed them to a few friends and their response was overwhelmingly positive.
I started taking orders, thinking if it didn’t work out, I could always return to my corporate accounting role. But word of mouth is a wonderful thing and I soon realised there was a great need for what I could create.
As each new customer handed over their precious items that were to be used to create their precious mementos, I heard their stories – of love, of loss, of heart-swell and heartbreak. Not all orders were filled with the joy of a baby’s arrival into the world. Some were of babies who grew their angel wings too early. Some of parents or siblings who had done the same. But each one is created with their stories in mind and holds the memory of a smile, or a laugh, or a tear.
These days the business has grown to incorporate different ways to keep hold of memories that may be forgotten. From jewellery to art. For women and for men. But as I hand over each keepsake, I ask the owner to close their eyes and hold it tight. To feel the love that’s captured in it – not only from their memories but also my passion to create something that will last for generations to come.
What our customers are saying about us
Testimonials
"To anyone suffering loss who yearns to keep their loved one close, I highly recommend a piece of beautiful keepsake jewellery from Nicoleta. Even during the challenging time of Covid, Nicoleta made the process simple. She was reassuring, warm and efficient. You can really tell that she cares about each client and the loved one they’ve lost. My keepsake ring with created sapphire is nothing short of spectacular, and I shall treasure it always. Thank you Nicoleta xx"
"My beloved parcel came today.. what a wonderful way to keep our loved ones so close! Fantastic experience from beginning to end.. recommend Nicoleta 100%.. quality products.. love love love"
"From start to finish Nicoleta has been amazing to deal with. Nothing was a bother from the seemingly hundreds of questions I asked to the last minute change to my original stone after I discovered a long lost lock of hair from my Dad to add with my Mum's hair. Nicoleta waited it to arrive all the way from England before creating a brand new stone to complete my ring, I haven't taken it off since I received it. It has truly brought me a sense of calm, I will treasure it always. My little world sitting on my finger"
"Nicoleta showed so much care and consideration not only in the stunning piece she created for me but in the entire process answering my queries, prioritising my order, sending progress photos before express delivering in a wonderful care package. It was so difficult to find anywhere that stocked memorial jewellery specifically with choices in gold charms so I am overjoyed that I now have a unique and highly sentimental keepsake for my beloved ones ashes"
"I love my ring! It also arrived in beautiful packaging. It is small and delicate which is exactly what I wanted. Nicoleta and Lauren answered questions quickly and the whole process took 8 weeks from placing the order to receiving the ring. Thank you!"
"Nicoleta and her team take a great deal of care with each customer. They're very communicative, flexible and evidently treat each customer's experience as the precious, unique and invaluable situation it is. Thank you team!"
"I ordered a bead for my Pandora bracelet and could not be happier! I didn't think I could be so attached to one piece of jewellery. I almost cried when I saw the stunning photos. I put my trust in Nicoleta and she definitely fulfilled my expectations and then some. My bead arrived so gorgeously presented and went straight on my bracelet where it has pride of place. I 100% recommend Nicoleta for beautiful keepsake jewellery!"
"Nicoleta has a passion and love for her craft of creating beautiful timeless pieces of memorial jewellery. I fell in love with her work instantly, and knew exactly which piece I wanted. A very seamless ordering process, I was cared for by Nicoleta in a very professional way, that allowed me to know my Mum’s ashes would be safe with her. Nicoleta was in touch with me through out the process and when she was ready to set my resin gem into my setting she reached out to me and allowed me a sneak peak of two gems she had made and gave me the opportunity to select my favourite. The one I did not choose was sent back to me along with my left over ashes. I would not hesitate to recommend Keepsakes by Nicoleta, so much so, that I am currently in the process of having a second ring made. That’s just how beautiful her work really is."
"As soon as I saw Nicoleta's dainty little charms on Instagram I just KNEW I had to have one made from my breastmilk. Nicoleta takes such pride in her work and I was so grateful to receive an email from her offsider to confirm that the milk had been received. Nicoleta even emailed me with sneak peek pictures of my piece. I received my necklace yesterday and was just overwhelmed by the care taken just in the packaging! Everything was absolutely immaculate and perfect and even included a handwritten note. The necklace is just as gorgeous as I had anticipated it to be and I am so happy I entrusted Nicoleta with this task. I would definitely recommend Nicoletas work to friends and family."
“I kept my daughter's lock of hair in a photo album for 21 years. It was the only thing I had left of her when she died. I never imagined anyone could create such a beautiful ring which contains this precious lock of hair. I feel she is with me always. Thank you xx"”
"I am simply amazed by Nicoleta's talent and generosity. She is just a truly lovely person who is obviously doing what she is meant to do. Dealing with her has been a blessing and I am so grateful that I came across her on instagram. I now have a piece of my son with me always in my beautiful ring. Thank you Nicoleta from the bottom of my heart.