Matthew Harris makes a point of creating modern, relatable fine jewellery, which is neither prohibitive in price point either. Introducing: Mateo New York, a jewellery label that has been a hit with fashion press and buyers of late. His secret diamond initial rings have something wonderfully Noughties about them in a brand new way and he uses colour to impactful effect.
Harris was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, moving to the US at the age of 16, where he attended college. Following his studies, his love for jewellery making was awakened and he would spend a great deal of time in the jewellery district learning the art form. He is a self-taught designer – though with his mother a seamstress, there was clearly already skill and talent in the family on the creativity front.
It would be in 2009 that Mateo New York debuted. At first, its focus was on men’s jewellery, inspired by a working man’s toolbox. Such was its success, a women’s collection followed thereafter. But in 2014, the decision was made to introduce women’s fine jewellery and refocus the brand in this direction. Pieces are based on minimalism, simplicity and modernity, and feature of diamonds and gemstones.
Mateo New York was selected by the Smithsonian Museum to be featured and sold at the African American Museum of Art and Culture in Washington D.C in 2016, and the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum of Contemporary Art in 2017.
