Matchstick Jewellery: embracing its own little world

8^th April 2013

Jenny Rodgers

Jenny Rodgers

8 April 2013

When you visit a jewellery store, whether it’s online or a high street store, you find a vast array of jewellery that has been inspired by a number of topics. Amongst those jewellery retailers you will find a store that has created a little world for the items they sell.

Matchstick Jewellery was founded by Louise Carter. Louise began her life in the fashion industry about 17 years ago, building an international brand within the UK. After eight years of working her way up within the business, Louise left to set up her own consultancy where she would help overseas brands establish themselves in the UK. She was regarded as one of the most sought after consultants in the industry and in 2006 the British Fashion Council approached her to be appointed Show Director for London Fashion Week.

In 2009 she was appointed Head of Events and, as part of the role, she was involved with the delivery and planning of the British Fashion Council’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations. Between 2008-2012 Louise worked on the NEWGEN designer support scheme with Sarah Mower and in 2011 she was appointed Head of Development to look at opportunities to drive forward new and exciting activity at the British Fashion Council. In June last year, Louise left the BFC to launch Matchstick Jewellery. This is a woman who knows a thing or two about the fashion industry so it was inevitable that her own jewellery would be fantastic.

Matchstick Jewellery is a collection of charm pendants that reflects Louise’s personal life and her deep belief that the most precious things in life are the most simple and that home is where the heart is. The label tells a story and each piece lives in its own house. The Matchstick world involves a girl, a boy, a dog, a small heart and a large heart (representing the heart of the home). Each charm necklace is handmade in the UK with up to 1.00-carat bespoke cut diamonds. Set in 18-carat yellow, white or rose gold with an 18-carat gold chain.

These pendants aren’t pieces that you are going to be buying for just anyone. These are special, but what is so nice about them is they’re simple but they have a story behind them. Unfortunately, unless you’ve won the Euro-millions, you won’t be buying the whole set all at once. Decide which pendant you want very wisely.

These pieces literally look they’ve been made from matchsticks. So what inspired Louise to create these pieces? “What inspires me is the innocence of children’s creativity. That very same naivety as a child has played out in my designs in fine jewellery.” She stresses the importance of the simple things in life, as she believes they are the most important. When you sit and think about it, she’s right. It doesn’t have to be all flashy items that make you happy; it can be your family, a pet or your home that makes you truly content.

Head on over to Matchstick Jewellery’s website here, but remember to choose your pendant wisely.