Matcham Skipper (1921 – 2011) was a self-taught jeweller who lived and worked in Melbourne. He is best known for his figurative cast silver jewellery, often including large stones. Skipper was born in Melbourne in and grew up in Eltham, a suburb that was still rural at the time. His father was a radical writer and his mother was a painter. Skipper showed an early interest in art and crafts. He began making jewellery in 1945, using silver coins and other found objects. He gleaned information about jewellery making from books and trade journals, and from talking to other jewellers.

In 1958, Skipper had his first solo exhibition at the Brummel Gallery in South Yarra. The exhibition was a success, and Skipper quickly became one of the most sought-after jewellers of his generation. He was known for his unique style, which combined figurative elements with a modern sensibility. His more...

18 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

18ct gold ring, attributed to Matcham Skipper; the oval plaque…

Abstract Figure 18ct Gold Ring by Matcham Skipper - Size Q

18ct gold ring, attributed to Matcham Skipper; the oval plaque depicting an abstract figure, unsigned, size Q, gross weight approximately 19.7 grams.

A light opal ring, set with figures embracing the opal; 9ct…

Embracing Opal Ring in 9ct Gold

A light opal ring, set with figures embracing the opal; 9ct gold. Possibly Matcham Skipper. Ring size N. Weight 11.2g.

A handmade amethyst bangle, of brutalist design, styled with…

Amethyst Geode Bangle with Climbing Figures

A handmade amethyst bangle, of brutalist design, styled with figures climbing over an amethyst geode, hinged bangle, possibly Matcham Skipper; silver.

A gents signet ring, featuring the entwined figures of a man…

Entwined Figures Signet Ring in 18ct Gold

A gents signet ring, featuring the entwined figures of a man and a woman, possibly Matcham Skipper; 18ct gold., weight 24g. Ring size U.

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, the wide band depicting figural…

Matcham Skipper 18ct Gold Figural Ring

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, the wide band depicting figural forms and faces in relief, signed, in 18ct gold, ring size O-Q, circa 1968. Condition: the ring presents in overall very good condition, with only minor wear to gold surfaces. Width of ring…

Matcham Skipper (1921-2011) [attributed], Montsalvat, Melbourne,…

Montsalvat Sterling Silver Pendant with Chain

Matcham Skipper (1921-2011) [attributed], Montsalvat, Melbourne, Australian sterling silver pendant on chain, circa 1860s, stamped 'Stg. Sil, the pendant 4 cm high

A yellow sapphire ring by Matcham Skipper finely crafted and…

Elegant Yellow Sapphire Ring by Matcham Skipper

A yellow sapphire ring by Matcham Skipper finely crafted and engraved, central faceted pale yellow sapphire, each shoulder adorned with an elegant female form, stamped with the makers mark, additional engraving by the artists wife, Myra Skipper; 18ct gold…

An amethyst bangle by Matcham Skipper, of textured abstract and…

Amethyst Abstract Bangle by Matcham Skipper

An amethyst bangle by Matcham Skipper, of textured abstract and figural design, featuring a central amethyst crystal, in silver.

An amethyst and silver ring by Matcham Skipper, of textured…

Mythical Creatures Amethyst Silver Ring

An amethyst and silver ring by Matcham Skipper, of textured abstract design, featuring two mythological creatures holding a central amethyst crystal, in silver, ring size O

A gold signet ring, attributed to Matcham Skipper, Montsalvat,…

Matcham Skipper Gold Signet Ring with Standing Couple

A gold signet ring, attributed to Matcham Skipper, Montsalvat, circa 1970's. The central oval panel with figures of a standing couple. 18ct yellow gold. Weight 14.84 grams. Size N.

A sterling silver pendant necklace by Matcham Skipper, the…

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace by Matcham Skipper

A sterling silver pendant necklace by Matcham Skipper, the handcrafted tear drop pendant depicting two figures amongst foliage, signed, suspended from an original handcrafted sterling silver chain, total length 730 mm.

A ring by Matcham Skipper, the handcrafted ring depicting pan,…

Handcrafted Pan Ring by Matcham Skipper

A ring by Matcham Skipper, the handcrafted ring depicting pan, signed, in sterling silver, ring size R-S

A sterling silver pendant by Matcham Skipper, the handcrafted…

"Faces in Foliage" Pendant and Chain

A sterling silver pendant by Matcham Skipper, the handcrafted rectangular panel depicting two faces amongst foliage, suspended from a sterling silver chain, total length 710 mm

A jewellery suite by Matcham Skipper, comprising a pendant and…

Figural Sterling Silver Jewelry Set by Matcham Skipper

A jewellery suite by Matcham Skipper, comprising a pendant and pair of earrings, all of figural design, crafted in sterling silver, signed.

Two rings by Matcham Skipper, each ring of figurative design,…

Matcham Skipper's Figurative Sterling Silver Rings

Two rings by Matcham Skipper, each ring of figurative design, modelled in sterling silver, signed, ring size U and O.

A pendant and collar by Matcham Skipper, the pendant of figural…

Figural Pendant and Tapered Collar by Matcham Skipper

A pendant and collar by Matcham Skipper, the pendant of figural design, suspended from a tapered collar, crafted in sterling silver, signed.

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, of figural design, in 18ct gold,…

Matcham Skipper 18ct Gold Figural Ring, Size K-L

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, of figural design, in 18ct gold, ring size K-L

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, the wide band depicting an…

Abstract Figural Gold Ring by Matcham Skipper

A gold ring by Matcham Skipper, the wide band depicting an abstract figural form, in 18ct gold, ring size J-K.