comma separated list - retrieving each item into an array ?

Is there a quick way to take a field that contains a list of items separated by commas and putting them into an array or perhaps separate variables ?

eg.

a single row in the database contains the field [matches_with] and would typically contain the following:

rings, bracelets, necklaces

I need to either put each into a variable

<cfset item1='rings'>

<cfset item2='bracelets'>

<cfset item3=necklaces'>

or if its simpler, put them into an array

item[1]='rings'

item[2]='bracelets'

item[3]='necklaces'