Matthew Harris began his brand Mateo New York with a simple need: “I wanted great personal jewelry,” the creative says.  

Harris grew up in a family that took self-adornment seriously and wanted to extend the theme. “My mom always says, ‘Have good jewelry and if something goes wrong, you go and sell it,’” he says with a laugh. “It’s a very Jamaican Black thing.”

His early days weren’t about building a  brand, but making things he and his friends would cherish. Enter Rihanna with a lightning strike moment by way of the fellow Caribbean wearing Harris’ chunky razor necklace, putting the brand on the radar of celebrities and buyers.

“I think whoever makes it from the Caribbean, we learned how to dream on our own,” he says of the multihyphenate whose creative and business journey continue to inspire him today.

Launched in 2009, Mateo New York has carved out a niche with modern, everyday fine jewelry pieces to live in — diamond initial pendants and rings,  casual pearls and colorful semiprecious stones. The materials are luxury but the vibe is easy, approachable heirlooms meant to be worn every day. For spring 2026, he’s introducing three new collections, including a new baroque pearl. The gemstone has proven to be a bestseller for years. “We listen to our customer here. We’re not in the clouds,” he says.

Harris began self-taught, learning on the bench in New York’s Diamond District, but he recently enrolled at L’Ecole School of Jewelry Arts in Paris, an institution  supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. It has evolved his creative process to create with gouache drawings. “Everyone is becoming so digital, it was nice to go back to the core of jewelry making,” he says.

While jewelry is the foundation of Mateo New York, he has expanded his world view over the years with fragrance, interior design projects, handbags and candles. “It all correlates with the brand,” he says of stretching his creative wings. He splits his time between Texas, Portugal and Jamaica, but his jewelry is still made in New York City by the same artisans he’s used since the beginning.

Last year he opened a store in Lisbon and he is beefing up retail globally with his sights set next on New York. In Jamaica, he’s working on a Villa Mateo, a destination that will serve as a living expression of his brand.

Even as he expands, the mission remains steadfast, “I really want to create pieces that are truly approachable and that will be cherished,” he says. “Good” fine jewelry is something he sees for everyone, encouraging customers to self-purchase. “Don’t buy to put in a jewelry box,” he insists. His advice is to start with something personal. “Buy something you’ll get your money’s worth out of.” Then, as a personal collection grows, he suggests considering a bigger splurge. “But do research and buy something you truly love that you’re going to wear every day,” he says.

“We cannot take it to the grave, so let us enjoy it now.”