JOURNAL NO 2
JEWELS BY HUGO MADUREIRA
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This month our Journal focuses on Hugo‘s jewellery business, founded mid-lockdown in 2020. Not an easy time to start a new business, but the many positives outweigh the negatives. The launch of the brand HUGO MADUREIRA was a natural and much-longed-for next step in Hugo‘s jewellery journey.
His brand is influenced by abundant natural and geometric forms observed in diverse locations around the globe and frequently captured on camera. Travel is an essential component of his creations. John‘s role in the jewellery business required a steep learning curve. Whilst Hugo has long ago mastered jewellery design using the latest technology, the real battleground for this fledgling business has been jewellery production and sales. Brexit has undoubtedly not assisted with production and sales, and for now, the focus is on UK production for UK sales and European production for European sales.
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Production comes in many shapes and sizes. Some of Hugo’s pieces are cast, but most are handmade. Finding excellent craftsmen has not been easy, and early on, there were many setbacks with quality issues requiring Hugo to reject pieces which did not meet his exacting quality thresholds. Finding competent finishers, polishers, and stone setters has been more straightforward.
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After two years, the business can access good teams at home and abroad. The current focus is not surprisingly on retail, as online sales are never an easy target for a high-end jewellery brand lacking recognition. The UK market, in particular, prefers to “play it safe“ and buy online jewellery from more recognised brands. Hugo and John have recently been fortunate to find Alexandra Matias, who sells new and vintage jewellery in Lisbon. Alexandra has provided Hugo with his first in-store retail opportunity, so if you are travelling to Lisbon, why not visit the store, which can be found at www.alexandramatias.com.
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If you haven’t seen Hugo‘s creations, please visit his website www.hugomadureira.com. Hopefully, you like what you see and will spread the message. Please become a follower as well.
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When Hugo is not designing jewellery, as you will gather from Cahil Properties Lda, Hugo is busy supporting our Portuguese property business. Busy times ahead!
