Matthew Handley has over fifteen years’ experience working with jewellery, beginning his career in the jewellery department at Bonham’s, one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Matthew was a key contributor to the success of Bonham’s monthly jewellery auctions held in Knightsbridge and biannual fine jewellery sales in New Bond Street. A highlight of these was the sale of an exceptionally rare vivid blue diamond ring which sold for over £1.8 million.

His fascination with jewellery began at an early age. Winifred, Matthew's late grandmother, was a prolific jewellery collector and a formative influence in developing his passion for antique jewellery during his childhood in rural Staffordshire. Matthew’s enthusiasm for seeking and studying antique jewels has continued ever since.

Matthew is an independent antique and fine jewellery specialist, with particular interest in naturalistic diamond-set jewels from the nineteenth century. He is a Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, a prestigious designation recognised worldwide. Matthew also conducts lectures and classes for the historic association, from diamond grading workshops and lab classes to their world-leading diamond diploma.

He divides his time between London and Surrey, he enjoys baroque and classical opera and loves gardening. Matthew continues to be fascinated by the natural world and the influence of plant forms on antique jewellery. He holds horticultural qualifications with the Royal Horticultural Society. 

 

Matthew is a member of The National Association of Jewellers, The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Society of Jewellery Historians. He is a patron of the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.