Behind the Bench

Join Matthew Ely behind the bench. Here, you'll discover stories about the making of our most remarkable pieces, jewellery tips and trend advice, and information about our most precious gems sourced from around the globe.

5 Things Mum Wants For Mother's Day

5 Things Mum Wants For Mother's Day

Why not give Mum something she actually wants, but would probably never ask for, this Mother’s Day? Here are Matthew Ely's top five suggestions, from diamond tennis bracelets, to a makeover of grandma's jewels, and a truly Sparkling Experience.

Blue Gemstones: The Big 3

Blue Gemstones: The Big 3

While sapphire is arguably the most renowned, there’s no shortage of blue gemstone alternatives in 2024. Aquamarine, tanzanite, blue topaz, apatite, blue diamonds, blue morganite, the list goes on. But which would you choose?

Choose Your Wrist Candy

Choose Your Wrist Candy

While classic tennis bracelets were once reserved for special occasions, these days they’re just as likely to be worn to a sunrise yoga class or casual Sunday coffee date. Bigger, bolder and brighter than ever. 

Introducing Iluka: The Largest & Longest Keshi Pearl Necklace in the World

Introducing Iluka: The Largest & Longest Keshi Pearl Necklace in the World

After 13 years of sourcing and 700 hours of handcrafting, Matthew Ely is proud to present Iluka: the largest and longest strand of Keshi pearls in the world. Discover the story behind this remarkable miracle of nature.

Argyle pink diamond ring by Matthew Ely Jewellery

Pink Gemstones: The Top 4 Gems & Trends

Pink gemstones are the boldest high jewellery trend of Spring Summer 2023/24, from pink diamonds to morganite rings, rubellite tourmaline and pink sapphire. Matthew Ely explores the top 4 pink-focused jewellery styles of the season.

Baroque pearl necklace and baguette diamond ring

A Guide to Buying Pearls

How can you tell if a pearl is real? Should you choose a Baroque pearl or round pearl? Discover tips from Matthew Ely and the Autore South Sea Cultured Pearl Classification Guide.

Keshi pearl earrings by Matthew Ely Jewellery

Top 4 Pearl Trends: How & Where to Wear Them?

Classic pearls are well and truly back in the spotlight, but it's nothing like your grandma used to wear. From Baroque shapes to layering, here are the top pearl trends of 2023.

18ct White Gold, Apatite, Aquamarine, Zircon, Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Necklace.

The Making Of: La Parade Azure

Crafted 100% by hand over more than 300 hours in a tiny Parisian studio, this is the story of 'La Parade Azure'. 

Meet Matthew Ely Jeweller, Louis

Meet Matthew Ely Jeweller, Louis

“Australians are more creative! While the French aesthetic is classic and reserved, the trend here is towards explosions of colour that go far beyond traditional diamonds."

What Jewellery To Wear in 2023

What Jewellery To Wear in 2023

A new year, a new collection, a bold new suite of jewellery trends. Think Grandma’s 1920s jewellery box paired with post-Covid extravagance, ‘Viva Magenta’ and some not-so-classic pearls. 

The Making Of: A Tourmaline 'Sanctuary' Ring

The Making Of: A Tourmaline 'Sanctuary' Ring

A clandestine octopus hidden in a tourmaline, a hand-etched ocean seascape bubbling under the surface, and a finalist at the Jewellers Association of Australia Awards. This is the story of Sanctuary. 

Introducing Matthew Ely Jeweller, Velvet

Introducing Matthew Ely Jeweller, Velvet

You may have met her in person at the Matthew Ely boutique, or you may have seen her incredible, nature-inspired designs on social media. Either way, our up-and-coming jeweller, Velvet, is a face (and name!) to remember.

How To Find The Perfect Jewellery Gift

How To Find The Perfect Jewellery Gift

Find the perfect jewellery gift for an anniversary, milestone birthday, Valentine's Day or special occasion. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

Sketch of a transformable Art Deco Tourmaline & Pearl necklace by Matthew Ely

The Making Of: A ‘Transformable’ Art Deco Tourmaline & Pearl Necklace

A classic pearl necklace for brunch, an elegant brooch for afternoon tea, and a remarkable Art Deco pendant for dinner – all thanks to a single piece of jewellery.

Custom made Keshi pearl necklace from Matthew Ely jewellery

What are Keshi pearls?

Named after the Japanese word for ‘poppy seed’, Keshis pearls are “nature’s accidents”, formed as a by-product of the pearl culturing process. Find out more about this slightly edgy, effortless yet luxurious pearl style. 

The Spring Bling: Vintage Floral & All Things Green

The Spring Bling: Vintage Floral & All Things Green

Florals are back in town – but they’re brighter, bolder and more eclectic than ever. Discover Matthew Ely's top 5 overall jewellery trends of the spring 2023 season. 

A jewellery remodelling - family heirloom sapphire & diamond ring by Matthew Ely Jewellery

The Making Of: A 'Family Heirloom' Sapphire & Diamond Ring

It started with two rings, ten diamonds, and one sketch. The request? To transform and unite two sentimental heirlooms, our client's late mother’s rings, into one beautiful, iconic piece.

The Many Colours of a Diamond

The Many Colours of a Diamond

Did you know: coloured diamonds represent only 0.01% of diamonds mined in the world. So - white, pink, yellow, green or blue? What makes each diamond colour so unique? And which one is right for you?

Custom made diamond tiara

The Making Of: A Diamond Tiara

From initial sketch to final product, discover the story of this custom made diamond tiara, handcrafted over 600 hours with 580 diamonds and 11 South Sea Pearls. 

Custom made colour change Alexandrite ring by Matthew Ely

The Chameleon Gem - Colour Change Alexandrite

Is it red? Is it blue? Wait… is it purple? Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. This custom made 4.21ct Natural Chrysoberyl Alexandrite ring has remarkable colour change properties!

To Diamond Or Not To Diamond

To Diamond Or Not To Diamond

While diamonds are the classic choice for engagement and wedding rings, alternative gemstones like ruby, aquamarine, emerald and sapphire have gained popularity in recent years. So, which would you choose?

Top 5 Jewellery Trends of 2022

Top 5 Jewellery Trends of 2022

Matthew Ely shares some of the major shifts he has seen in high-end jewellery, alongside the key upcoming trends for 2022. Think colour blocking, ring layering, unique materials, new technologies and all things aquamarine.

A jewellery remodelling by Matthew Ely - 18ct Yellow & White Gold, Boston Ivy Emerald, Pearl & Diamond Earrings

A Jewellery Remodelling: 7 Pieces for 7 Nieces

A tray of Grandma's gemstones and family heirloom jewellery dating back to the 1920s are transformed into seven modern classics for seven very individual nieces, each piece perfectly designed to match its new owner's personality. 

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