Surya Mathew

Jewellery maker

Élodie Daguin©Michelangelo Foundation

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.

Interview

Élodie Daguin©Michelangelo Foundation

Élodie Daguin©Michelangelo Foundation

What inspired you to choose this craft?: 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.
Did you learn from a master?: 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.
Have you followed any training in France?: 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.
What motivated you to open your own workshop after working in the luxury industry?: 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.

Surya Mathew is a rising star: he began his career in 2017 and he started teaching in 2017