Career Path

My Profile

I was brought up in Ireland with a strong Finnish influence, as my Mother is Finnish and my Father, Irish. Growing up I found this an advantage for seeing things from more than one perspective. Today the two cultures remain important influences on my life and my work.

My love for this work began when I was first introduced to Jewellery by a German Master Goldsmith, Gabrielle Muller Hefter, based in Assisi, Italy. Gabrielle took me on as an apprentice in 1993 and I studied under her tuition for three years till 1996.

The apprenticeship included learning skills and realising designs using traditional goldsmithing techniques. Alternative teaching methods encouraged a high standard of workmanship, improvisation and continuous problem solving.

I learned the Italian language so as to maximise my understanding of the magnificent cultural surroundings I was working in. The whole experience taught me how to adjust to an entirely different environment, and how to approach new situations and opportunities with an open mind.

After my apprenticeship I spent almost a year in Finland, experiencing a culture quite different to the one I had just spent three years in. During this time I gained a good insight into the minimalist and functional features for which Finnish Design is famous.

In 1997 I returned to Ireland and worked as Goldsmith first in Waterford and then in Cork. However, I realised that there were many more skills which I needed to develop, especially design wise.

From 1998-2000, I lived in England where I did a BA (hons.) in Metalwork and Jewellery, at Sheffield Hallam University. This helped to broaden the skills I already had and develop the ones I had less experience in. As part of my Degree work I was commissioned by the DFBA Enterprise Group, to make a piece which was presented to the President of Ireland Mary McAleese on the opening of the Enterprise Centre in Dunhill, Co. Waterford. 6. 3. 2000. Returning to academic studies was quite a challenge, the benefits of which reach far further than the field of Jewellery.

Based back in Ireland I now work in Cork city centre, and aim to do justice to the training and opportunities I have acquired along the way.

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My Work

My business is a small workshop based operation specialising in the design and manufacture of Jewellery for individual and retail sale.

My Jewellery, ranges from one-off exclusive pieces in 18ct Gold and Platinum, to contemporary modern ranges in Silver and Stainless Steel. Design and style vary, from classical to contemporary, with the client's specifications also kept in mind.

Materials used also vary, depending on the design and function of the piece.

Inspiration is taken from many sources, such as the wearers' character or the beautiful colours reflected in a stone. From here ideas start to take shape and the whole creative process is put into action.

Recent work has centred on ranges of Jewellery set with Spectrolite in both Gold and Silver.

My work maintaines a high standard in Handmade Jewellery, along with the design and research it takes to produce such Jewellery, be it for a specific individual or the general public. The work varies along with my clients needs, as some clients are individuals while others are galleries and retail outlets.
The aim of my work is to manufacture jewellery to the clients needs and help maintain the up keep of the product after sale.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss any of the pieces here, pricing or a new commission. Thank you.

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