We took a look under the microscope at gemstones...

Matthew showed them how he solders two pieces of metal together!

and then everyone had a chance to make their very own piece of jewelry, with a little assistance...

The final product... a necklace custom with their very own initial!

I am not sure who had more fun, the preschoolers or Matthew :)

I have the very overwhelming task of going through all of Matthew's portfolio photos and attempt to create some sort of organization.  In the 15 plus years he has been making custom jewelry he has thousands of photos to go through!!  I am going to be sharing some of my personal favorites here as I work through this chore :)

For those who don't know, Matthew and I have two young daughters… Beatrice who is four and Penelope who is just 6months now.  We always figured being girls that at some point they would discover how lucky they are to have a Papa that makes jewelry!  For Beatrice this Christmas will be the year she will be able to appreciate her Papa's skills...

Like many other 4 year old girls, Disney Princesses are her favorites.  She watches their shows, has their dresses, coloring books, pajamas etc.  Sofia the First is one of her favorite of the princesses because she has a special Amulet that allows her to talk to animals.  The one thing she asked for this Christmas was an amulet just like Sofia's!  I knew Matthew could not only re-create this pendant, but make it even better than the real thing.  I sent him a photo I found online and he immediately got to work.  He hand carved the setting and had it casted in Sterling Silver to accommodate the large pear shaped Amethyst. He made sure to include spots for the three blue sapphires at the top and set the sapphires in 14K yellow yellow bezels.   Using a Sterling chain, he added amethyst beads just like the original.  Finishing it up with a real strong clasp to ensure it doesn't get lost!

Needless to say, she is definitely one lucky girl and I fear this is just the beginning of her love of jewelry :)

Whether you are ready or not...the Holiday Season is upon us!  Luckily, over here at Matthew Taylor Designs we have been preparing. Matthew has been hard at work on the bench getting lots of great pieces made to fill the shelves with.  Pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings in White gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold and some silver too.  Any budget and in any style, we have what your loved ones are looking for.  Matthew is also available to make any custom one of a kind piece as well, if you have a vision - Matthew can make it happen in time for the Holidays.  

Don't forget, we also have our great Buddha Love necklaces available!  A great piece of jewelry with great meaning that supports such a great cause.  Proceeds going to the Cancer Patient Support group.  There is nothing better than being able to give a little extra to those in need, especially around the Holidays.

Call, stop by or send us an email.  Let us help you make your Holiday a special one!

Matthew is lucky enough to have a career that allows him to combine both his amazing talent and personal passions into many of his creations.  Take this wedding band for instance...

For those who don't know, when Matthew is not at his studio creating custom jewelry for his loyal customers he loves finding a stream or secret spot to get some fly fishing in.  Now, with two kids at his side he may not get as much fishing time in as he would like, but I know there will be a day when he will have plenty of time with a fly rod in his hands again.  

When he had a customer request a wedding band for her soon to be husband that incorporated a fish, he jumped at the chance to create this amazing trout spinning ring.  It is hard to see from the photo, but this ring is comprised of two parts, an inner band and an outer band that is in the shape of a trout, the trout rotates around the inner band to create what Matthew refers to as a "spinner" ring.  

As you can see, Matthew's passion for fly fishing is greatly reflected in this one of a kind piece.