At a recent event at the Hunt Museum, eight contemporary Irish jewellery designers showcased their work alongside the museum’s collection. The event highlighted how modern jewellers continue to draw inspiration from traditional craftsmanship while infusing their creations with individual designs.
Today’s jewellery often honours heritage through both design and materials but, like fashion, it also serves as a symbol of personal style. Just as today’s fashion reflects diverse tastes, contemporary jewellery embraces uniqueness and self-expression.
Lynsey de Burca
Lynsey de Burca’s tactile jewellery is an exploration of textures, forms and compositions, inspired by the piers and quays along the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as the patterns and structures of ropes and fishing nets. Describing her creations, Lynsey explains, ‘Every piece of my jewellery is created using centuries-old craft techniques and each link from every one of my collections is hand-forged’. Favouring a minimal aesthetic, her work features organic-form pendants in silver and 9ct yellow gold, with roller-embossed sterling silver links, all carefully crafted in her studio in the foothills of Connemara, County Galway.
Siadbh
When Siadbh Duffy launched her jewellery brand, she cleverly used her name, Siadbh (pronounced ‘Sive’), an old Irish name associated with goodness, peace and tranquillity. ‘My story began when I created my first crystal amulet from a raw piece of black tourmaline, a guitar string and a piece of cord.
I immediately felt the grounding and protective energy when I wore it,’ she explains. Inspired by this, she founded her brand to share the empowering energy of crystals. Each handcrafted amulet is designed to be worn against the skin, becoming a sacred, lifelong ally. Honouring ancient traditions, Siadbh uses ethically sourced crystals and sustainable materials, infusing intention into each piece.
Natasha Heaslip
Award-winning jewellery designer Natasha Heaslip originally trained as a sculptor and brings a unique edge to her collections. Her work is simple, elegant and allows the natural energy of stones to shine through. Specialising in handcrafted, custom pieces, she creates wedding rings, dress jewellery and upcycles old pieces. Natasha sources stones for individual commissions, working within budgets, and enjoys collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life. She has exhibited across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East, and her pieces have been featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
FiorSó
Launched in 2021 by lawyer-turned-jeweller Sara Ross, FiorSó quickly built a loyal following, with pieces worn at the 2024 Olivier Awards in London and Country Music Television Awards in Austin, Texas. The brand has become renowned for its feather-light jewellery, combining gold tones with vibrant enamels and pearls. Sara draws inspiration from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements of London, Paris and Shanghai, where she worked for many years. Her body of work spans from the colourful, geometric designs of the Deco and Industrial collections to the elegant florals and butterflies of the Reverie, Calla Lilies and Tropicana ranges, which all evoke the beauty of Art Nouveau.
Magpie Rose
When economist-turned-designer Diane Woods decided to explore her creative side, she discovered a passion for jewellery design. She founded Magpie Rose, an enchanting collection of statement earrings, vibrant necklaces and sparkling bracelets. Specialising in colourful, distinctive geode rocks and gemstones complemented by high-quality 18ct gold vermeil, Diane creates truly one-of-a-kind pieces from her studio in Clontarf, Dublin, showcasing distinctive shades, compositions and the organic shapes of the stones. The collection offers a classic aesthetic, allowing wearers to express themselves boldly and meaningfully with statement pieces that inspire individuality and confidence.
Saw Framed
Hannah McGrenera handcrafts contemporary unisex jewellery in her workshop in Bishopstown, County Cork. Originally from Taiwan, she acknowledges that her heritage plays a significant role in inspiring her creations. Her designs celebrate individuality and creativity while emphasising the importance of quality and proudly carrying the ‘Irish made’ certification associated with her brand. Hannah’s love for everyday objects is reflected in her work, which often takes the form of miniature sculptures. Her collection includes earrings, pendants and cuffs, blending modern chic with classic elegance. She believes that quality, unique design and style are the defining features of her work.
Síne Vasquez Jewellery
Inspired by the timeless craftsmanship of traditional masonry, ironmongery and carpentry, Síne Vasquez creates pieces that connect each wearer to the skills and stories of the past. A former physiotherapist, Síne retrained as a goldsmith and now looks to her family heritage of stonemasonry and carpentry to inform her work. Fascinated with how we interact with our dwellings and the stories they tell us, she infuses each piece of investment jewellery she makes with a rich history. Her designs highlight the ornamental details traditional artisans added to functional objects, illustrating our innate human desire to create beautiful things.
Helena Malone
Helena, a traditionally trained goldsmith with a background in literature and finance, designs jewellery that challenges her creatively. Her work is influenced by the natural world – its structure, movement and balance – alongside architecture and literature. Helena’s core collections explore emotional responses to the world and individuality. Bespoke commissions and sentimental remodelling are integral to her work, allowing clients to express their uniqueness through her designs. Her ethos emphasises environmental consciousness, with a focus on responsibly sourced materials.
- ‘Council of Irish Fashion Designers x Hunt Museum Limerick’ is published in Anthology Volume 22. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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