Matthew Taylor enjoys creating jewelry for clients that is sturdy enough to be worn all the time, with that comes the dirt and grime of everyday life.  We welcome you to stop by the shop anytime for a free cleaning, however if you can't make it in here are a few tips for cleaning your jewelry at home...

Gold and Platinum:

Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth

Silver:

Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid, such as Cape Cod Polishing Cloths (We have them available for sale at the Shop). Silver cleaner won't harm gold or platinum, but it won't clean them either. Don't use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch your jewelry. When done polishing, wipe with a clean, soft cloth

We hope you found this information helpful and also hope to see you in the shop for your free cleanings!

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 :)

We are excited to let you know that Matthew has just teamed up with the Shelburne Craft School to teach an advance Jewelry course this spring!  Matthew will be teaching a course that will allow students to design and create a locket, focusing on skills of forging and hinge building.  The course will begin at the end of April and continue through the end of May.  For more details visit the Shelburne Craft School where you can also sign up for the course! 

We hope to see you in class!

~Brianne

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 :)