Est. 2009
James Street, Brisbane
Matthew Staff began his jewellery career in 1994, aged 18, undertaking a four-year apprenticeship in traditional jewellery making.
Following his apprenticeship, Matthew established himself as an independent jeweller, taking private commissions while handcrafting high-end pieces for established Brisbane jewellery houses.
His early career took him from his home workshop to an upstairs studio in Edward Street's Bowman House, where he worked alongside a gemstone cutter and setter, before returning to his independent workshop.
In 2009, Matthew and Simone established MJS Jewellery on James Street with a shared belief that fine jewellery should be personal — thoughtfully designed, beautifully made and created with meaning for the person who will wear it.
That philosophy still sits at the heart of MJS today.
For more than 17 years on James Street, MJS Jewellery has remained deliberately personal. Clients meet directly with Matthew, the jeweller and designer who will create their piece, and are part of the process from the first conversation through to the finished piece.
While Matthew is the creative force at the bench, Simone works alongside him behind the scenes, shaping the client experience, visual identity and relationships that have become an important part of MJS Jewellery.
Together, they have built a jewellery house known for one-of-a-kind commissions, exceptional natural gemstones and a distinctly personal approach to fine jewellery. Many clients have been with MJS for years, returning to mark new chapters, reimagine treasured heirlooms or create pieces to pass on to the next generation.
From his early independent workshop to Edward Street's Bowman House, James Street and what comes next, Matthew's work continues to evolve while remaining true to the principles that have always defined it: original design, exceptional craftsmanship and a personal connection with every client.
Matthew Staff began his jewellery career in 1994, aged 18, undertaking a four-year apprenticeship in traditional jewellery making.
Following his apprenticeship, Matthew established himself as an independent jeweller, taking private commissions while handcrafting high-end pieces for established Brisbane jewellery houses.
His early career took him from his home workshop to an upstairs studio in Edward Street's Bowman House, where he worked alongside a gemstone cutter and setter, before returning to his independent workshop.
In 2009, Matthew and Simone established MJS Jewellery on James Street with a shared belief that fine jewellery should be personal — thoughtfully designed, beautifully made and created with meaning for the person who will wear it.
That philosophy still sits at the heart of MJS today.
For more than 17 years on James Street, MJS Jewellery has remained deliberately personal. Clients meet directly with Matthew, the jeweller and designer who will create their piece, and are part of the process from the first conversation through to the finished piece.
While Matthew is the creative force at the bench, Simone works alongside him behind the scenes, shaping the client experience, visual identity and relationships that have become an important part of MJS Jewellery.
Together, they have built a jewellery house known for one-of-a-kind commissions, exceptional natural gemstones and a distinctly personal approach to fine jewellery. Many clients have been with MJS for years, returning to mark new chapters, reimagine treasured heirlooms or create pieces to pass on to the next generation.
From his early independent workshop to Edward Street's Bowman House, James Street and what comes next, Matthew's work continues to evolve while remaining true to the principles that have always defined it: original design, exceptional craftsmanship and a personal connection with every client.
Designed with purpose. Made by hand.
At MJS Jewellery, we believe good design starts with understanding the materials and knowing how to work with them. Every curve, claw and setting has a purpose, considered by Matthew from the first sketch through to the finished piece.
Natural gemstones are at the heart of much of our work. We’re drawn to gemstones with character — interesting colour, unusual cuts and the individual details that make each one different. Matthew hand-selects our gemstones and designs around what makes each one special, rather than trying to make it fit a predetermined design.
Our bespoke pieces are handcrafted, not mass-produced. Matthew works at the bench using traditional jewellery-making techniques, shaping and finishing each piece by hand. It takes more time, but it gives him control over the proportions, setting and finish — and allows each piece to develop its own character.
We don’t chase trends.
We design around the gemstone, the person and the reason for the piece. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a reworking of something inherited, or simply a piece someone has always wanted, the aim is the same: to make something individual, beautifully made and intended to be worn for years to come.
This is MJS Jewellery. Designed with purpose. Made by hand. Made to last.
At MJS Jewellery, we believe good design starts with understanding the materials and knowing how to work with them. Every curve, claw and setting has a purpose, considered by Matthew from the first sketch through to the finished piece.
Natural gemstones are at the heart of much of our work. We’re drawn to gemstones with character — interesting colour, unusual cuts and the individual details that make each one different. Matthew hand-selects our gemstones and designs around what makes each one special, rather than trying to make it fit a predetermined design.
Our bespoke pieces are handcrafted, not mass-produced. Matthew works at the bench using traditional jewellery-making techniques, shaping and finishing each piece by hand. It takes more time, but it gives him control over the proportions, setting and finish — and allows each piece to develop its own character.
We don’t chase trends.
We design around the gemstone, the person and the reason for the piece. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a reworking of something inherited, or simply a piece someone has always wanted, the aim is the same: to make something individual, beautifully made and intended to be worn for years to come.
This is MJS Jewellery. Designed with purpose. Made by hand. Made to last.
Meet
Gemmologist ( FGAA), Master Goldsmith, Designer
Matthew's work has often been described as having a contemporary European aesthetic — bold yet considered, with an appreciation for form, proportion and unexpected detail.
His designs explore sculptural shapes, intricate construction, organic forms and unconventional combinations of precious metals and natural gemstones. Each reflects an individual creative vision developed over decades, rather than a particular trend or formula.
Alongside his original creations, Matthew works directly with clients on one-of-a-kind commissions, bringing his imagination, expertise and attention to detail to jewellery of personal significance.
Matthew's designs have received national recognition, with Sprung a finalist in the 2012 JAA Awards and Flame winner of the Diamonds for Everyday category at the 2018 Diamond Guild Australia Awards.
Matthew Staff is a master goldsmith, qualified gemmologist and independent jewellery designer with more than three decades of experience in fine jewellery.
Beginning his apprenticeship at 18, Matthew developed a foundation in traditional jewellery making. Over three decades, he has refined a distinctive approach combining technical precision, artistic instinct and a willingness to explore the unexpected.
Matthew's fascination with natural gemstones has taken him from the gem fields of Tanzania to the cutting houses of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. As an FGAA Gemmologist, his specialist knowledge and discerning eye inform his selection of exceptional natural gemstones, often inspiring the design itself.
There is something special about knowing the person who designs your jewellery is the very person who brings it to life.
From the first sketch to the final setting and finish, Matthew remains personally involved in the design and creation of each piece.
His experience as both designer and maker allows him to explore ambitious ideas with an understanding of how they can be realised in precious metal and gemstones. Every detail is considered, from proportion and balance to the intricacies of construction and finish.
This close relationship between design and craftsmanship is central to his work, whether creating an original piece or developing a commission with a client.
Away from the studio, Matthew is drawn to the outdoors — hiking, mountain biking and exploring remote landscapes. His appreciation for nature, movement and organic form often finds expression in his designs, influencing the shapes, textures and unexpected details that distinguish his work.
For Matthew, exceptional jewellery is the meeting of remarkable materials, original design and the skill to bring an idea to life.
"I want people to see that we can still make beautiful things by hand — and that they can last a lifetime."
— Matthew Staff
Matthew's work has often been described as having a contemporary European aesthetic — bold yet considered, with an appreciation for form, proportion and unexpected detail.
His designs explore sculptural shapes, intricate construction, organic forms and unconventional combinations of precious metals and natural gemstones. Each reflects an individual creative vision developed over decades, rather than a particular trend or formula.
Alongside his original creations, Matthew works directly with clients on one-of-a-kind commissions, bringing his imagination, expertise and attention to detail to jewellery of personal significance.
Matthew's designs have received national recognition, with Sprung a finalist in the 2012 JAA Awards and Flame winner of the Diamonds for Everyday category at the 2018 Diamond Guild Australia Awards.
Matthew Staff is a master goldsmith, qualified gemmologist and independent jewellery designer with more than three decades of experience in fine jewellery.
Beginning his apprenticeship at 18, Matthew developed a foundation in traditional jewellery making. Over three decades, he has refined a distinctive approach combining technical precision, artistic instinct and a willingness to explore the unexpected.
Matthew's fascination with natural gemstones has taken him from the gem fields of Tanzania to the cutting houses of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. As an FGAA Gemmologist, his specialist knowledge and discerning eye inform his selection of exceptional natural gemstones, often inspiring the design itself.
There is something special about knowing the person who designs your jewellery is the very person who brings it to life.
From the first sketch to the final setting and finish, Matthew remains personally involved in the design and creation of each piece.
His experience as both designer and maker allows him to explore ambitious ideas with an understanding of how they can be realised in precious metal and gemstones. Every detail is considered, from proportion and balance to the intricacies of construction and finish.
This close relationship between design and craftsmanship is central to his work, whether creating an original piece or developing a commission with a client.
Away from the studio, Matthew is drawn to the outdoors — hiking, mountain biking and exploring remote landscapes. His appreciation for nature, movement and organic form often finds expression in his designs, influencing the shapes, textures and unexpected details that distinguish his work.
For Matthew, exceptional jewellery is the meeting of remarkable materials, original design and the skill to bring an idea to life.
"I want people to see that we can still make beautiful things by hand — and that they can last a lifetime."
— Matthew Staff
