Bijoux Gallery

General information

Matt Rawlinson's interest in jewellery design started at an early age, having assisted his father, Kevin, (another renowned Auckland jeweller) in his store at Arts and Crafts Mecca, in 'The Brown Mill' during the 'seventies.

After the demolition of 'The Brown Mill', Matt and his dad decided to open their own shop on Ponsonby Road in the 1980s and so a new jewel in the crown of Ponsonby was born - Bijoux Gallery.

"As the son of a jeweller, I actually began threading beads when I was a toddler and took my first order from a craft shop, for copper and silver bangles, when I was eleven years old."

Over the years, Matt has been commissioned to make pieces for television (including Hercules, Xena Warrior Princess, Power Rangers and, more recently, Outrageous Fortune) as well as for catwalk shows at New Zealand Fashion Week.

"Each piece of jewellery has a story behind it and every piece in Bijoux has been made from the love of making it.

I love my work and get great satisfaction from what I do."

Matt is drawn to jewellery styles from throughout the world and he also admires the craftsmanship that has gone into antique pieces.

"Those vintage pieces required fine, detailed work, which takes time and precision, as well as years of experience to create.

I make a lot of engagement and wedding rings, which I like as I feel honored to be asked to make pieces that mean so much to someone. Jewellery can carry a lot of sentimental value and I've had the privilege to work with clients on some really special pieces, from turning old estate pieces into new, contemporary items to making special silver token boxes to hold locks of hair or a baby's first tooth."

Matt has made numerous pieces for well-known national and international people. Bono from U2 came in and bought several pieces. Bill Clinton bought an arm-band with greenstone for his daughter Chelsea and Greg Johnson and other New Zealand musicians and actors have bought pieces from Bijoux.