Meet The Cornish Jeweller, Thomas Matthews

What's it like to run a jewellery business from Cornwall's largest creative hub?

Today we find out, as we chat to Thomas Matthews, a jeweller who has recently opened a studio in Krowji.

We chat to Tom all about how his jewellery making journey started, his top tips for those wishing to have their own handmade business and why he chose to have a studio rather than work from home.

Tom has had over 1,300 sales on Etsy, and it's no surprise with his attention to detail and use of beautiful gemstones.

He often creates engagement rings and takes commissions, ensuring he creates the most high-quality pieces - we even get an insight into his creative processes and behind the scenes action!

Head to our blog for more Meet The Jeweller features

"I find the best way to learn a new technique is to study the theory and fully understand how the technique works..."

Hi Tom, tell us how you first discovered making jewellery!

I discovered jewellery making when a family member took a short silversmithing course, this peeked my interest and I started researching and watching YouTube videos for more information.

From there my passion has grown, along with my tool collection! I opened my Etsy shop with just a few items as a hobby and before I knew it I was fortunate enough to be able to make jewellery my full-time job.

How did you make the decision to make jewellery full time?

After opening my Etsy shop in 2015 sales were slow but building, in late 2016 my shop and sales had increased and I made the decision to leave my part-time job and focus on jewellery making full time.

What was your experience like learning jewellery making techniques?

Learning new techniques has sometimes been frustrating, but always rewarding (in the end).

I find the best way to learn a new technique is to study the theory and fully understand how the technique works, that way I have a better understanding of the process, helping me to master the practical side.

What are your favourite materials to work with?

My favourite materials to work are sterling silver, 18ct yellow gold and gemstones of course. Silver is a great material to work with, I love to make men’s heavy silver bands and it offers great affordability compared with gold and platinum.

18ct yellow gold has a great colour and is stronger than sterling silver, this allows me to create much daintier designs without compromising on strength.

How would you describe your jewellery in 3 words?

Simple, traditional and colourful

You recently moved into Krowji in Redruth, tell us more about why you chose this space and how you made it your own

Before moving into to my studio at Krowji I was working from an outbuilding at home.

Although it was great to work from home, I much prefer being surrounded by other creative people.

It opened up a whole new network of connections and it’s great being able to share some of my own knowledge and experiences with other members too.

As I have not long moved in I am still making it my own by building new benches and customizing the space for my needs, I hope to soon be able to offer jewellery making workshops and private tuition too.

Top three favourite gemstones?

Diamond, Opal and Tourmaline

"I personally like to start with a rough idea and allow the design to evolve as I make it. I find I create my most popular designs this way and it really tests my practical skills..."

What is the best thing about being a jeweller in Cornwall?

Since moving into Krowji I have noticed just how much support and guidance there is available for creative people living in Cornwall.

There’s also a very good mentality in Cornwall for supporting local businesses, which is great to be a part of.

We love your use of gemstones in your designs, how do you choose which ones you use - especially if you're using more than one!

I quite often design the jewellery around the gemstone and tailor the design to what I think would best suit the cut and shape of the stone.

Hardness is also a key factor when designing a new piece, this will help decide the best type of setting to avoid damage to the stone when setting and withstand years of everyday wearing.

Favourite spot in Cornwall?

Porthtowan is somewhere I love to visit, I have enjoyed many days surfing and relaxing on the beach reading a book with my partner. Whenever we’ve got free time you’ll quite often find us there!

What has been your favourite commission so far?

I was fortunate enough to be asked to make an engagement ring for my brother. It was a challenging task at the time but I was able to create the ring to his exact requirements and learn some new techniques in the process.

I look forward to hopefully one day to be able to do this for other family members and friends.

What kind of person do you envisage wearing your pieces when designing your jewellery?

I’ve found that a wide variety of people like my jewellery, when designing a new piece, I create what I feel looks good don’t try to appeal to a specific demographic.

Do you like to stay up to date with current trends?

I tend not to follow trends and prefer to create the jewellery I like and hope others do too. Moving forward with my business I want to focus on creating timeless fine jewellery and include influences from modern and traditional techniques.

You create stunning engagement rings, what is your process of designing these pieces?

Many designers bring their new ideas to life by sketching and planning every detail, I personally like to start with a rough idea and allow the design to evolve as I make it. I find I create my most popular designs this way and it really tests my practical skills.

A key factor in designing an engagement ring is to ensure that it withstands the test of time, this is why each piece I design not only showcases the gemstone but is also practical.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start selling their jewellery?

To keep costs down, e-commerce platforms such as Etsy are a great way to start selling. They charge far less commission then retail stores and allows you to start a business without any capital.

I would also recommend starting with selling adjustable or one size fits all jewellery such as necklaces, earrings or adjustable rings. This allows you to make at your own speed and not have the stress of deadlines for made to order pieces.

There are lots of free videos and blogs online with great information for starting a handmade business, websites such as Kernowcraft and YouTube have been an invaluable resource for me and I recommend them to anyone wanting to sell their jewellery.

Check out Kernowcraft's advice pages here

Follow Thomas' Jewellery Making Journey Online...

Instagram | Facebook | Etsy

Thomas' Top Kernowcraft Picks

Sterling Silver Beaded Wire

This is a great product for making stacking rings and adding detail to a piece.

Alligator tape

A must have to avoid damaged jewellers fingers!

Limited edition stones

There’s always a great selection of unique gemstones to inspire a piece with Kernowcraft.

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!