From this, I started looking into the sustainable jewellery industry and learned so many ways by which we can improve the processes in place. The idea for MATILDE Jewellery came about when I was studying for my master’s degree, where I focused my research on the jewellery industry and learned so much about the detrimental social and environmental impacts that it can have. It’s no surprise that celebrities are coveting her jewellery and with prices starting as low as £75 for her 100% recycled gold seed studs there’s an entry level for all of us looking to up our jewellery game and invest a little more thoughtfully. I love MATILDE’s pieces because of their delicate, sculptural simplicity, their nod to her heritage and how an understated piece looks so much more expensive. Gold that won’t wear away, stones that I know the provenance of. Or do you? Recently I’ve changed my thinking on this and wonder whether all the purchases I’ve made over the years of gold plated, demi-fine jewellery could have instead been better invested in a couple of more special pieces. Fine jewellery comes with a heftier price tag, more responsibility and generally it’s the stuff that gets bought for you on special occasions – you don’t just treat yourself to it. However, I don’t really have much ‘fine jewellery’ apart from a beautiful diamond ring that belonged to my mother and some sustainable diamond earrings. Pieces I’ve collected on my travels that are steeped in sentimental value or are simply objects of lust that I’ve succumbed to. I’m like a magpie and my wrists, fingers and neckline are literally piled high with an assortment of my favourites. It’s no secret that my fashion sweet tooth is jewellery. This week I’m looking at future heirlooms with Matilde Mourinho, the founder and creator of MATILDE Jewellery. I try to incorporate that into my own designs.Each week I celebrate a brand committed to implementing practices that won’t cost the earth whilst still delivering beautiful, timeless pieces. I see what I like and don’t like and what I feel is missing. For the Heritage Collection I was strongly inspired by my Portuguese heritage and the Coracao de Viana, filigree, and the culture and style of my home country. I also find inspiration from the jewellery I’ve seen on my mother and friends. Matilde: I take inspiration from everything around me, specifically from the movements and forms found in nature, from the stars, water, and natural movements of the elements. Hannah: Where do you get your inspiration from when designing new pieces? There are a lot more fashion brands focused on being sustainable and ethical, because there is so much out there on the harmful effects of fast fashion compared to jewellery which is not as widely discussed. If the jewellery is high quality and timeless, it can and usually is, passed down through generations, which isn’t always the case with fashion. I personally feel jewellery is more meaningful than clothes. It’s a beautiful way to adorn yourself with meaning, while making a statement about who you are and what you believe in. Matilde: I have always loved jewellery and the power it has to tell your story in a way that needs no words. Hannah: Why did you decide to launch a sustainable jewellery brand compared to venturing into ethical fashion?
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