We took a look under the microscope at gemstones...

Matthew showed them how he solders two pieces of metal together!

and then everyone had a chance to make their very own piece of jewelry, with a little assistance...

The final product... a necklace custom with their very own initial!

I am not sure who had more fun, the preschoolers or Matthew :)

Matthew is lucky enough to have a career that allows him to combine both his amazing talent and personal passions into many of his creations.  Take this wedding band for instance...

For those who don't know, when Matthew is not at his studio creating custom jewelry for his loyal customers he loves finding a stream or secret spot to get some fly fishing in.  Now, with two kids at his side he may not get as much fishing time in as he would like, but I know there will be a day when he will have plenty of time with a fly rod in his hands again.  

When he had a customer request a wedding band for her soon to be husband that incorporated a fish, he jumped at the chance to create this amazing trout spinning ring.  It is hard to see from the photo, but this ring is comprised of two parts, an inner band and an outer band that is in the shape of a trout, the trout rotates around the inner band to create what Matthew refers to as a "spinner" ring.  

As you can see, Matthew's passion for fly fishing is greatly reflected in this one of a kind piece.