These Hands | Matthis
These hands belong to our resident French jeweller & Wholesale Production Manager, Matthis. Matthis joined the company a little over 2 years ago and drove his beloved van 'George' all the way from Brisbane to be with us! Despite his extensive travels throughout Australia, he has chosen the Northern Beaches as his base and we couldn't be happier. Meet Matthis below..
Who do these hands belong to?
Matthis, I am the Wholesale Production Manager & Jeweller here at Natalie Marie Jewellery.
What is your role at Natalie Marie Jewellery and how long have you been on the team?
I make and manage the production of our collection pieces for all of our stockists. I have been with the team for a bit more than 2 years now, starting as a jeweller and then moving into the position of Wholesale Manager as we began to organically expand in that area of the business.
Describe a typical day for you...
A typical day for me starts with checking what each stockist has ordered, where we are at with the making process of each piece and evaluating the production time. Each piece needs a different process of making and it is my role to anticipate the time of production before the deadline, taking into account the skills of the jewellers that will work on that particular piece and the stones in stock. I can then start delegating pieces across the team and I can start working at the bench to. I am responsible for making sure that each piece meets our high quality of standards and problem solving any obstacles that may arise along the way so that everyone on the wholesale team can reach their best potential.
What is your most treasured piece of jewellery?
I think my most treasured piece of jewellery is a signet ring that I designed when I started my studies in jewellery that I believe embodies the reason why I started this profession. It reminds me of where my love for this career began.
When did you first come across Natalie Marie Jewellery?
I first came across Natalie Marie Jewellery when I began looking for a job in jewellery after travelling for 4 months in Australia. I had been travelling in my beloved van, George, who got me from Brisbane to Sydney for my interview. After I started working at Natalie Marie I lived in George for 1 month whilst hunting for a permanent place to live. George went into retirement soon after that and since then I have had a string of unreliable cars, but I think I am onto a good one...finally!
Where would we find you on the weekend? How do you unwind?
I like to unwind by spending time with friends, sharing a drink, playing sport or meditating. After a week of work and the high levels of concentration that come with making intricate jewellery, it feels good to unwind and get time to focus on my passions.
Coffee or tea, how do you take it?
I like both coffee and tea, but my coffee will always be black.
Where would your favourite holiday destination be?
My favourite holiday destination might be Switzerland or Canada where you have beautiful mountains and snow with the most peaceful lakes.
What advice would you give anyone considering to be a jeweller?
The only advice I would say to anyone interested in studying to become a jeweller would be just a simple one; keep seeking out more knowledge and keep questioning your own. This will help to grow your skillset and in turn, become a more capable jeweller.
What inspires you?
Inspiration is a really boundless notion, depending on the medium you are talking about and what you are drawing the inspiration for. Something as simple as spending a day outside or watching the rain fall can be equally inspiring.
If you could live anywhere else, apart from Sydney, where would you be living?
I would love to be back in France near the Lac Léman.
What are you listening to right now?
Right now I am currently listening to electro-jazz musician Parov Stelar, he might be my favourite artist.
Describe your perfect day?
My perfect day would be waking up watching the sunrise, going for a walk and a swim, being out in nature, followed by having a good breakfast with some close friends or relatives. Sharing some philosophical thoughts whilst practicing kung fu with my friends and teacher. I enjoy the challenge of working on an impossible jewellery piece and finishing the day having a few drinks with friends.
Where would you consider home to be?
I consider my home to be several places, I consider my home to be my freedom and where my loved ones are.
Describe yourself in 5 words...
Generous, gentle, open minded, passionate and curious.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for having the chance to live out all these experiences that make my life what it is right now, an endless amount of things to discover and share.
What's the best piece of advice that you've been given?
The best advice or more like a way of thinking that has been given to me was this one: I never lose, either I win or I learn.
If you were a dessert, what would you be?
If I was a dessert I would be an "éclair au chocolat". That is my french side showing!
What is your least known talent?
My least known talent is writing, I like to write books and poetry as it is a way of expressing and reflecting on my thoughts, they are not something I share with anyone, but I find it therapeutic nonetheless.
What is your favourite gemstone?
The hardest question for a jeweller! I think I would have to say a grey diamond. Not really a renowned stone, but for me, embodies a unique beauty.
PC: Tealily
