The founder of MATILDE Jewellery and daughter of footballing manager José Mourinho discusses her journey in creating the brand

From buying pre-loved and vintage, to actively seeking brands with sustainability at their core, more of us than ever are changing the way we shop to help protect the planet we share.

Now, inspiring change in an industry that has a devastating impact on some of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems and communities is MATILDE, the eponymous new sustainable fine jewellery brand by Matilde Faria Mourinho Felix, daughter of head coach of Roma, José Mourinho.

At the heart of MATILDE is the belief that producing and buying fine jewellery shouldn’t have to cost the earth - or be out of reach for those who want to make a statement about their values with the accessories that they choose to wear.

Using only Recycled Gold and Lab-Grown Diamonds, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent processes, MATILDE cuts out intermediaries to keep the pieces as sustainable, and accessible as they possibly can be.

Where does your passion for jewellery come from?

I have always had a passion for jewellery, and I think that stems from the fact that personally any piece of jewellery that I own means something to me. Whether it reminds me of a time in my life, a person, or a place, I love the power that a piece of jewellery holds in that sense. The more I started learning about the jewellery industry, the more I realised how little I knew about where my pieces came from. And the more aware of the environmental and social harms the mining industry continuously causes, the harder it was for me to turn a blind eye. This was one of the main reasons why I created MATILDE. 

How did you develop MATILDE Jewellery?

I have a background in fashion, as I did my BA at London College of Fashion in Creative Direction for Fashion, and this course gave me a set of very interchangeable skills that were able to be adapted into the jewellery industry. On top of that and my experience in working within different sectors of the industry, I did my master’s degree at Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design and this really focused my education on the entrepreneurial side of the jewellery industry. From there, I developed a business and financial plan for MATILDE Jewellery that allowed me to bring it to life. 

What does a typical day look like?

I don’t think there is a typical day! Some days I am out having meetings, at photoshoots, doing press days, and others I am glued to my laptop. But usually, I always start my days by checking my emails and catching up on anything that is needed, and then on the brand’s social channels. During lockdown my days also entailed a lot of Zoom meetings. Aside from that it really varies on the time of the year or the week, which I love that no day is ever the same. 

What was the process of designing your collection?

It depends. Some pieces I have a really clear vision of what I want to achieve, so it’s quite easy and quick to put it down on paper. But because I am not a trained technical jewellery designer, I am lucky enough to work with an amazing designer who is able to put my ideas onto paper better than I can. So, it really is a collaborative effort. 

How is each piece made and distributed to your customers?

Every piece is made using 100% 14k recycled gold and exclusively lab-grown diamonds. Once produced, the pieces come directly to us and we then distribute them directly to our customers via our website.

How would you describe your customer?

I would describe our customers as modern yet timeless. They prioritise investing in timeless pieces as opposed to trend-led styles and have sustainability at the core of their values. It’s important to them that the brands they follow and support are as transparent as possible with everything they do, and communicate with them clearly. 

Other than your own designs, do you have any pieces of jewellery you’re rarely found without?

Yes! I have certain pieces that I have inherited from my mother, which I value so much. I also have some pieces that I received from my family years and years ago as gifts and I wear them every single day. Every piece of jewellery that I own I relate to a time in my life, a person, a place, which is what I love so much about jewellery that they can hold so much in something so small and delicate. 

www.matildejewellery.com

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