What girl doesn’t love a bit of bling and when the bling comes in the form of these spectacular pieces – then a girl’s dreams really could come true! Matthew of Matthew Ely by York Jewellers is the man behind these designs – crafting bespoke beauties to match your lifestyle, letting the gems speak to the final design. How brilliant must it be to travel the world choosing gems that inspire you to create a spectacular piece for a client, and look of awe and delight on their faces when you present it to them. Working in a world of precious metals and gems would surely add a sparkle to your day!
Please tell us your story because it is rather unique and interesting!
Spending time in and around the family business what initially sparked my interest. I wrote my parents a letter at the age of 12 and asked them to let me work in the shop and it all began from there. My father made me try out other trades like engineering and carpentry before allowing me to settle within the family boutique.
Matthew Ely jewellery design
Do you have a mentor/mentors who were particularly important to you, and influenced your design and your jewellery making techniques?
The Master Craftsmen that I worked alongside during my scholarship in London’s fine jewellery precinct Hatton Garden were influential. That was an experience that money or study can’t buy, the skills that I picked up can only happen when you rub shoulders with jewellers of that level.
You have opened a new jewellery store in Woollahra. Does your father/family still play a significant role in your business?
Yes, my Father is someone that I look up to in both business and the trade. My Mother and Father are celebrating 40 years of business in the jewellery industry this year!
Matthew Ely Boutique
What was the genesis/catalyst of your new business?
I wanted to be able to spend more time at the bench doing what I love and to treat my clients to the full experience.
What are you hoping clients will feel when they walk into your boutique?
I hope that they feel relaxed and enjoy the experience. I wanted to be as transparent as possible and want them to feel that they can ask anything and see everything. That’s the way I designed the boutique, to feel very open. They can watch me work on their piece at my bench.
You say ‘I want to educate my clients on the complex world of gems and diamonds…’. Why is this important to you, and briefly what should we, the client know?
It’s important to me to educate them because I feel sometimes that the way people used to ‘marvel’ at the process gets a little lost. These gems and diamonds start off in such a rough, raw state and end up sparkling brightly on your finger after travelling so far, and being crafted into a beautiful piece of jewellery. I feel that it’s a very special process.
Coloured diamonds and other gems feature in your work. Would you explain about the colours we can get in diamonds, and is a coloured gemstone important to enhance a piece of jewellery?
The great thing about working with coloured diamonds and gemstones is that it makes each individual piece truly unique. Diamonds can be source in a range of colours, from classic white, to yellow, brown, orange, green and of course the rare and beautiful pinks and blues. Not only that but they are available in many different intensities and hues. Coloured gemstones are not necessarily important to enhance a piece of jewellery or complete a design but I love the contrast in colour and variety of what is available.
Matthew Ely jewellery design
Can you design individual pieces for brides if requested? Are engagement rings/wedding bands a significant part of your business?
Yes definitely. Custom, bespoke engagement and wedding rings are up there with what I enjoy doing most! Along with the special bridal piece for the day, diamonds in your hair or stunning earrings.
How do you go about designing a bespoke piece of jewellery?
I have a great design space in my new boutique. It’s very private and relaxing. I talk through different styles, designs, diamonds or gemstones with my clients and begin sketching. As we are discussing different elements of the piece it starts to take shape on paper and is ultimately hand crafted into a bespoke piece. I always consider things like their hobbies, where they will be wearing it, what it’s sitting next to and of course personal style.
What are your designs influenced by – certain periods in time, or the aesthetic influences of certain countries, the gems themselves, or other?
Generally the gemstones themselves. I get inspired when I see a spectacular gemstone and think about what I could create with it to maximize it’s beauty. Architecture also gives me inspiration.
Matthew Ely jewellery design
You make some really unusual, stunning, and award winning designs. Who most often buys these pieces – collectors of fine jewellery, bridal couples, other?
Most interest in my award winning designs comes from true collectors. To want to wear or own something like my recent pink and blue diamond creation ‘Illoura’ the individual would have most other classic pieces and is now looking for something a little more unique to add to their collection.
Where do you source your diamonds and gemstones?
From all over the world, which is another amazing part of what I do. My profession has allowed me to travel the world in search of particular gems and I feel very fortunate for that. I work with some fantastic suppliers here in Australia too.
Matthew Ely jewellery design
What metals and stones are your favourites to work with?
Platinum is one of my favourite metals; my wedding ring is actually made from platinum with a little touch of rose gold. Tourmaline would have to be one of my favourite gemstones because of the vast array of colours available.
Are your pieces handmade in Australia?
Where possible I hand craft all of my collections. I’m fortunate that I also have the support of my family’s business and we have 5 very talented jewellers who I work along side with when needed.
Do you have a favourite design that you still are making today?
A dear friend and client of mine has just commissioned me to make a piece for her inspired by the collection of Elizabeth Taylor. You can imagine the scale of this piece! I am really excited about getting started on it.
Describe a day in your life?
I start early and take our dog Molly for a run, then usually have a bite to eat at home or grab something around the corner from my boutique. I spend the morning answering some emails and picking up where I left off on working on some jewellery at my bench in-store. Quick lunch and then appointments with clients, which can vary between designing/sketching or the big reveal when they collect something that has just been completed. The look on their face is a great part of the job! More time at the bench in the afternoon and then home to have dinner with my wife and early to bed.
Thank you Matthew for sharing your story. To find out more about Matthew Ely for York Jewellers visit the website.
Headshot courtesy of Matthew Ely
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