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Some things in life just go together... peace and love,
ribbons and bows, yin and yang. When it comes to
engagement and wedding rings, thought should also
be given on how they fit together. Matt Mullooly,
owner of Northern Star in Penarth tells us what makes...
A PERFECT FIT
How's business since we last met?
Business is great! Since we last met I've had a significant number of new commissions which I'm currently working on.
Last time we spoke, you were working on commissions for
Christmas presents. As we come into spring, what are your
customers looking for?
Christmas is always a really busy time for me and this year was no exception. I had great reactions to the pieces I made. With spring now on its way, the focus seems to be on engagement and wedding rings. Although a lot of customers are looking to have something unique made, something which they may have had on their mind for a while but never really knew how to go about having it made. That's the great thing about what I do... I turn people's dreams into reality.
What do you offer those customers looking for something a little different for their engagement and wedding jewellery?
When you buy an engagement ring, it's important to think forward to the wedding band and how the two rings will sit alongside one another. Whilst incorporating the customer's ideas, I design engagement rings that enable the two rings to fit flush together regardless of their style. This is where my CAD program comes into its own. It allows the customer to view a computer generated photo quality image of what their rings will look like together. As a further aid, I'm able to create a scale wax replica model of the ring they're having made.
Are there any significant trends this coming season?
Although I'm always visiting shows and exhibitions to ensure I keep up-to-date with current trends, I am a bespoke jeweller and so tend to tailor my designs to suit my customer's individual style, rather than sticking to any set formula.
How long does it take to create and produce a ring from idea to finished product?
As a guide, I'd say it takes a month to produce a piece once a design has been agreed, though I really don't like to put a timescale on the design process, as I prefer to focus on creating the right look for the customer. Most customers understand this creative process and are happy with it.
Do you offer an incentive if a couple buy the engagement ring and then the wedding bands?
Yes I do. My partner and I are getting married soon and know how expensive it can be. I'm always happy to offer discounts to couples buying the set.
Do you have any exciting plans for 2010?
I'm always planning and developing ways to improve my services - I think it's unwise not to. At the moment, I'm working on my own Northern Star range. Frustratingly it's taking a little longer than anticipated due to the amount of commissions I am currently working on, but then it is hard not to see that as positive!
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About a year ago I was introduced to a young man who was a bespoke jeweller, he came highly recom - mended, so I commissioned a ring, not really knowing what to expect. The result was absolutely stunning!
Since then I have had several items made and each piece is beautifully crafted and unique for me. I don't think I would ever go into a regular jewellers, knowing that I can have something made especially for me.
Josephine Goode
Cardiff
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My partner and I had matching wedding bands made at Northern Star. We wanted bands that were made for us rather than something that had been mass-produced.
The nice thing about dealing with Matthew was there was no hard sell which we had experienced on the high street. He was more interested in creating the look we wanted.
Richard & Clare Barker
Leeds
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A friend of mine recommended Northern Star to me having had a beautiful emerald ring made. I had some diamonds in various pieces of old jewellery I no longer wore.
Matt removed the stones and reset them in a gorgeous circular pendant he designed for me. I liked them that much he's currently making me matching earrings!
Valerie Powell
Landough
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