Our Story
We believe in the power of fashion as a force for good, and strive to create beautiful, meaningful jewelry that tells a story and inspires connection between cultures.
MÄ“tzli brings consciously crafted, handmade jewellery to New Zealand. Michelle Steffany designs and creates each piece in her Auckland studio, drawing inspiration from her Mexican heritage, using traditional silversmithing methods, and honouring ethical practices.
​
Created for conscious consumers, MÄ“tzli works with ethically sourced stones and recycled sterling silver. Each piece sold contributes to MÄ“tzli's future dream: building an inclusive economy by establishing a social enterprise that celebrates and empowers artisan women in Mexico.
MÄ“tzli strives to bridge the connection between the beauty, values, and culture of Mexico & Aotearoa. Join us as we celebrate artisan jewellery and ignite positive change together.
Metzli (Nahuatl: [metstɬi]; also rendered Metztli, Metzi) translates to "Moon"in Nahuatl.
​
MÄ“tzli draws inspiration from Aztec mythology, where Metzli is revered as the goddess of the moon. We believe that silver reflects the soothing, cooling, and protective energy of the moon, making it the perfect material to honour MÄ“tzli and Mexico's rich jewellery tradition through each of our pieces.
A Note from Michelle Steffany
Hola, I'm Michelle - thank you for stopping by! I launched MÄ“tzli in 2022 to share my passion for designing and silversmithing jewellery. Drawing upon traditional methods, I meticulously handcraft every item, ensuring quality and attention to detail. Creating jewellery has been an incredible way to channel my creativity and brings me joy in creating what I love - I hope that each one-of-a-kind MÄ“tzli piece inspires and empowers its wearer to pursue their own passion and dreams.
​
The heart of Metzli beats with a grander purpose: to establish a social enterprise that empowers artisan women in Mexico. Recognising the marginalised status of artisan women, I envision MÄ“tzli as a platform to showcase their magnificent work internationally, while ensuring that the economic benefits flow back to their communities, creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.
​
My ultimate goal is to contribute to the creation of an inclusive economy, where the beauty, values, and culture of both Mexico and my adopted home of New Zealand converge. I see MÄ“tzli as a bridge, connecting these two worlds and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that lies within each unique piece.
​
Thank you for joining me on this journey, where the love for jewellery and the passion for social change intertwine. Each piece sold contributes directly to the next step of MÄ“tzli's journey: celebrating jewellery as a force for good.