Ponsonby News spoke to Amy Cunningham, owner and Creative Director of Black Matter Jewellery, who have beautiful new flagship store on Ponsonby Road, about the story behind the brand.
Seven years later we now have an amazing team running our workshop and studio in Nelson, e-commerce for two jewellery brands, stockists throughout New Zealand and of course, our beautiful new flagship store in Ponsonby.
What is the inspiration behind Black Matter Jewellery?
Our real passion is creating jewellery that is ethically handmade entirely in New Zealand.
We manufacture from our Nelson-based workshop, which is where we also base our parent company, Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, which mainly focusses on custom made signet rings, wedding and engagement rings. Benjamin and I wanted to introduce to the fashion jewellery space a brand that provided people with jewellery that was not only stylish, but also well made - and made to last, and at an accessible price point!
This is quite different for fashion jewellery. We don’t plate any of our jewellery; we recycle wherever possible and use only solid sterling silver and gold. Being made by our amazing jewellers means people buy a piece that looks beautiful and lasts for years to come.
Do you produce bespoke jewellery?
The flagship Black Matter store in the old Ponsonby Fire station sells our jewellery collections. However, if you’re interested in having something made, you can make an appointment with Benjamin through the store. We live in Nelson, however we travel to Auckland often and can either meet in person or via online consultation.
BLACK MATTER JEWELLERY, 182 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0726, www.blackmatter.co.nz