Sílvia Rodrigues studied Communication Design at the University of Algarve in Faro. After her studies, she began working in design studios and teaching, spending her free time creating pieces from newspaper.
Innovation with newspaper
Newspaper is a raw material that isn’t reused. Sílvia wanted to take paper out of its usual context and transform it into something new, but this was a gradual process.
“We read the newspapers and throw them away. Some newspapers come out daily, others weekly, but it’s always the same case, after they lose their purpose, they don’t have another use.”
The contrast of the white background with black letters was always fascinating for Sílvia: “I believed it could result in something beautiful in another context. I love to use The Portugal News as this paper has lot of colours, and I don’t use extra colouring for my jewellery pieces; I look for pages that match the colour scheme for the piece I’m creating.”
The creative process
Creating a new collection is a complex process. Each of Sílvia’s collection has a unique story, always related to love. It begins with an idea, or a story and then follows lot of experimenting. Many creations end up in the trash until Sílvia creates the perfect piece. “It is this entire journey to reach the goal that gives me great joy.”
Each piece needs to be also functional and comfortable to wear. In the past Sílvia created large extravagant pieces for fashion shows, but these were not suited for her regular clients. Over the years her style evolved, and she always tries to listen to her clients.
“I always try to understand what my clients like. Most of my pieces are one-coloured but I try to create in all colours possible, so everyone can find their favourite. I know some people prefer really delicate and small jewellery while others want a necklace to finish their outfit and be a visible statement piece.
In 2019 Sílvia launched her first prestige collection and was one of the five finalists is the National Handicraft Awards. She won two entrepreneurship awards promoted by the Embassy of the United States of America in Portugal. One provided her with an MBA at ISCTE in Lisbon and the other offered a year of mentoring with an American company. She was also finalist for the National Crafts Award in the Innovation Category and many other competitions.
The Sigues journey
Sílvia’s journey began at fairs and events, where she realised the potential of her pieces. She managed to attract many clients who later followed her to her online shop. “Doing fairs is hard, and it requires a lot of effort, but the personal contact with the client was very important and still is – but nowadays I don’t go to fairs, I attend my clients in my shop, every day except Sundays.”
Each piece from Sílvia’s collections is unique and all of them are inspired by all kinds of love. Some of Sílvia ’s older collections are “First Love,” “Only Love,” or “Mother’s Love”.
The necklace First Love (Primeiro Amor) was the first necklace Sílvia created and remains favourite among customers. The “First Love” collection is inspired by an elderly couple, married for over fifty years, walking hand in hand in the cool morning air. They were each other’s “first love,” married as teenagers, and despite life’s hardships, they remain together.
Sílvia also produced lamps and bags from paper but her focus now is primarily on jewellery. Some collections combine paper with metal or wood, while others use copper or stainless steel.
Current collections
The new collection Love Design seeks to inspire self-expression and confidence. Each piece is designed as a work of art combining style, comfort and meaning. Sílvia believes jewellery should be more than just to accessorise, it should be a form of personal expression. Unsurprisingly, this collection is currently a bestseller.
Another notable collection is Love Portugal, which features typical Portuguese symbols and unites passion and culture in each piece. The heart of Viana symbolises love, faith and tradition, sardine represents Portuguese culture, the ocean and the sharing that unites people.
Dar Devaia Shop
Sílvia’s new shop opened in summer 2025, and here you can find other local artists, such as Afago – natural cosmetics, or ceramic pieces made by Margarida Gomes and sustainable clothing by Ortiz Manoli. Their vision is to promote local production and sustainability.
Sílvia and her husband, Fábio Jesuíno, are soulmates, who spend a lot of time together, while Fabio also works in digital marketing, the brand Dar Devaia is their joint creation.
They love travelling and they even have a YouTube channel, documenting their travel and life experiences. “We believe it’s important to bring a bit of other cultures to the Algarve, broadening horizons and stimulating the creative process.”
Sílvia plans to continue making unique pieces that customers identify with and fall in love with. “I will continue to tell stories through my collections and motivating people to follow their dreams. Our time in this world is too short, and it’s really important to do what we love.”
“Dar Devaia”, Loja 12 do Mercado de Loulé, Loulé, Faro District, Portugal
Online Shop -sigues.pt
Instagram – dar.devaia