Jewellery art, a sacred craft
- Surya started creating jewels at the age of 10
- He aims to help people rediscover themselves through the creation of jewellery
- He shot a film about the few remaining jewellers in India
Born to a French mother and an Indian father, Surya Mathew has drawn on both cultures and their rich tradition of jewellery making to acquire a very unique know-how. Birds and nature, astrology and spirituality are among the themes he explores as he gives new life to old pieces of jewellery. Attentive to his customers' wishes, Surya's approach is based above all on a caring collaboration with each client. “I aim to create something based on who the person is." So, by remelting the metal, recovering coloured stones, reshaping and embellishing, he creates original jewellery, rich in detail, elegance and luminescence. Beyond the excellence of his expertise, Surya stands out for his distinct vision of the craft, which considers the jewel for its emotional value, and the healing power it holds.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
My mother founded a textile workshop to help women in difficult conditions, her aim being to help people through art. So I was immersed in this very creative environment from an early age, and soon developed a passion for textiles. I used to make patchworks from swatches, sequins and embroideries. I then felt the need to turn to jewellery.
It was important for me to benefit from training in India and I was lucky enough to meet a master. In India, the profession of jeweller is very difficult. It is an art form that is disappearing. I was fortunate that my master agreed to take me on as his successor, to break codes and uphold this craft that is normally passed down through blood ties only.
At 17, I entered the Haute Ecole de Joaillerie in Paris. It was important for me to attend this school, which promotes excellence in the craft and traditional techniques. This enabled me to work for the prestigious houses of Place Vendôme. My two education paths are very complementary, and merging both is a great asset.
I established my workshop so that manual skills could be preserved, and the essence of the craft could be rediscovered. People have a life story and inherited jewellery pieces are the symbol of something strong – an emotion, love. To listen to a person and accompany them through this creative process, this journey, is my goal.
