MJS jewellery is the creative jewellery studio of Australian award-winning master jewellery designer, goldsmith and qualified gemmologist (FGAA) Matthew Staff.
Inspired to showcase Australian made and designed jewellery, Matthew with his wife Simone stepped out in 2009, putting Matthew's name to a place in the hub of James Street, Brisbane — MJS Jewellery, or Matthew John Staff Jewellery. Like Matthew’s bespoke creations, the James St studio is impressive, both in size and design, visibly celebrating the craftsmanship and artistry of fine jewellery – floor to ceiling glass windows surround the open gallery-like studio, allowing passers to be inspired and see Matthew in action.
With 25 years experience of handcrafting fine jewellery, 10 years within his Brisbane James Street jewellery studio; Matthew’s passion lays in crafting exceptional designs executed with expert hand craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
As a qualified gemmologist (FGGA) Matthew has travelled extensively from the gemstone cutting world centre of Idar-oberstein in Germany to the gem fields of Tanzania, Africa sourcing quality gemstones and researching quality cutting techniques.
As a gemmologist, Matthew is immersed in a niche field, having gained the opportunity to understand gemstones by working with gem cutters and obtaining his FGGA qualification coupled with the technicality of making jewellery, and a trained eye for design. Through his work, Matthew aims to showcase world-class design whilst keeping the craftsmanship and artistry alive in jewellery. “I want to show people that we can still make beautiful things by hand and that it can last a lifetime. It is like leaving a legacy, a beautifully designed and thoughtfully crafted piece that has stood the test of time, a good design is timeless.”
Specialising in designing and handcrafting bespoke fine jewellery for engagements and celebrating special occasions, clients are treated to personalised one on one couture service, where you can be involved in the design process as much as you would like to be. Every couture piece is beautifully hand sketched, and gemstones personally sourced by Matthew.
Open Monday to Saturday, visit the James Street studio to immerse yourself in Matthew’s one-of-a-kind artisan designs, his signature collections or to discuss commissioning a couture piece.
"For me, a perfect design comes from the heart and is as precious as the rare gems that make up the piece itself. A beautiful design is inspiring and provides a sense of wonder through its uniqueness and originality. You could say each design like its owner has its own distinctive personality. An exceptional design is the marriage of a perfect design executed with expert hand craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail; it is this combination that truly makes a design exquisite."
- Matthew Staff