Interview With Jewelry Designer Matt Harris

Hey there, friends! Are you ready to dive into a world of sparkles and treasures that'll make your eyes twinkle? Would you like to know more about a pearl jewelry designer?

Picture provided by Matt Harris

https://mattharrisdesigns.com/

Well, get ready to hop aboard the fanciest, shiniest, most magical treasure train you’ve ever seen! 🚂🌟😉

Today, I’ve got something super duper exciting planned for you. Let me tell you, it’s like finding a shiny golden ticket in a chocolate bar! 🍫🎟️😄

Guess what? I got to have an online chit-chat, an exceptional conversation with none other than a Celebrity Jewelry Designer. On top of that, he is also an Expert, Historian, and International Speaker! 🌟💎👑

Can you believe it? I’m still pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming! Imagine connecting with someone who knows aaall about those precious pearls that make your heart go pitter-patter. Yep, that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! 🌊💍😲

No, no, not that fast. First, I want to tell you a story about my initial encounter with pearl jewelry. 🤩📿

When I went on my honeymoon to a place called Mallorca, also known as the land of pearls. I spotted the most amazing pearl necklace in a shop window! 😍💎🏬

I couldn’t take my eyes off it, seriously. It was like a shiny magnet pulling me in! Who knew pearls could be magnetic, right? 🤯🧲

Of course they are not. Now guess what happened next? My brand-new hubby, being the sweetie pie that he is, saw how much I was staring at that necklace. That’s why he just couldn’t resist buying it for me! Yes, my plan to charm him worked. 😉💍🎁

Nah, of course there was no plan, but can you believe it? I was like, “Whoa, buddy, you sure know how to make a girl feel special!” 😎🌟👸💖

There I was, in Mallorca, with my hubby and this gorgeous necklace. I felt like the luckiest woman in the whole wide world! 🌎👩‍🦰🎉

Oopsy daisies! Looks like I did it again! I went way, way off track from what I was supposed to be talking about. I’m like a puppy chasing its tail sometimes, just can’t help myself! 😂🐶🌀

Well, who says learning has to be all serious and boring, right? Maybe I’ll just call it “exploring new topics” instead of getting off track. 😏🔍📚

Yep, that sounds much fancier! Ok then, here’s to never-ending adventures, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll stay on topic next time! 😄🥂🗺️

Alrighty then, it’s time to get ready, my wonderful pals! We’re about to dive into a super fun adventure full of sparkles and shiny stuff. ✨🌈💎

Maybe we’ll even pretend to be pirates hunting for treasure (well, probably not, but it’s fun to imagine!). Let’s explore the magical world of pearls and jewelry with our amazing pearl jewelry designer!  😍🏴‍☠️⚔️💰

Picture provided by Matt Harris

What is your name, function and the company you work for?  

I’m Matt Harris of Matt Harris Designs… a pearl jewelry designer

How old are you?

54

What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be? 

I was a software company CEO for 20 years, but always loved pearls. When I exited my software company a few years ago, I could finally concentrate on my passion. Now I design pearl jewelry and teach both consumers and the jewelry industry about pearls. 

What made you decide to become a Jewelry Designer?

When I got married, my wife and I decided to buy pearl necklaces for the bridesmaids, but neither of us knew anything about pearls! 

How would we know what we were buying? Were the pearls real? Were they treated or dyed? How do we know if we are getting a good price? I volunteered to take this task on and I have been obsessed with pearls ever since! 

At the same time, though, I was raising money to grow an educational software company and, sure enough, I got financed. While raising this funding, I made a few pearl necklaces, and they were a hit! 

Within months, my  pearl jewellery was selling in over 20 stores, but I had to concentrate on the software business once I received investor funding in order to be a good steward of my investors’ money. 

It took 20 years for me to exit that company and my pearl obsession never waned. While the software business was profitable, it didn’t capture my heart. I’m now finally back to my true passion… pearls.

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

When I think of fashion, I look at it from a view of a pearl jewelry designer. Is fashion important to me? Yes! But what is fashion? 

In a world where pretty much everything goes, my goal is to show people the allure, romance and history of pearls so that they can work them into their fashion, no matter how casual or fancy. There is a pearl for every outfit!

Picture provided by Matt Harris

What are your successes, and how did you achieve them?

Early on, I met Debra Messing, who wore my designs on Will & Grace. Then Britney Spears asked me to make a pearl necklace and earrings for a TV appearance. Kate Flannery wore a cranberry pearl necklace from me on the red carpet. 

Although, I just as much love the non-celebrity clients that fall in love with pearls and appreciate my designs! I achieved this simply by making pearl jewelry and being fortunate enough to witness my clients suggest my designs to others.

What’s something you might want to do in the future?

Great question! I’d love to be able to interview celebrities like Harry Styles about why they choose to wear pearls at visible events.

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing or jewelry?

Yes, as long as the brand is a brand of great quality.

Describe your personal style of fashion?

I’m all over the map which keeps it interesting! I dress for the occasion, but I always wear pearls!

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look? 

My jewelry designs mostly use pearls that aren’t perfectly round or blemish free. Most pearls are actually not round. I like to use pearls with personality! 

Picture provided by Matt Harris

Do you have an influence on other people’s fashion style?

I don’t think I influence other people’s styles, rather I help them show off their own

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

Men in pearls… but it’s actually not new, but renewed! Men have been wearing pearls throughout history!

What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment?

I have a hard time criticizing trends because pretty much anything goes these days. If it is “you”, embrace it. Self expression is so very far from limited right now. So, be you! 

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

Just be you! And be proud of yourself!

Who is your style icon and why?

Karl Lagerfeld. Because his tastes and mine align. 

Is there something else you would like to share with us?

Have fun, buy your own style, and become a pearl geek like me!

Picture provided by Matt Harris

Thanks, Matt, for assisting with my interview questions. Your pearl jewelry is truly stunning. 😊✨💎

If you're ever twiddling your thumbs and wondering what to do, why not sneak a peek at a bunch of my previous interviews with jewelry designers on this page? 

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/p/jewelry-designer-interviews.html

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

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