Gleaming gems to shine at the Glucksman

The Irish Jewellers & Silversmiths Guild is set to host their next event at The Glucksman, University College Cork, on 16 September starting at 11am. The talk, entitled ‘Past, Present, and Future of Irish Jewellery & Silversmithing,’ welcomes both the public and Guild members and boasts a lineup of industry leaders.

The event will delve into the rich history of jewellery and silversmithing in Ireland, tracing its evolution from the past to the present and beyond. Among the speakers is Cork native Christopher Samuels, who leads the Jewellery Course at St John's College and played a pivotal role in founding the Backwater Artists Group in Cork.

Another speaker is the award-winning jeweller and silversmith Annemarie Reinhold, who is also based in Cork. Annemarie has earned numerous accolades, including the Future Makers Award, RDS Craft Award, and a Golden Fleece Award. Her work is permanently on display at the National Museum of Ireland.

James Mary Kelly will also be there on the day. Introduced to the craft by the Kilkenny Design Workshops, he embarked on a goldsmithing scholarship in Germany, and his career has seen him create notable pieces, including the Liam McCarthy cup, recreated twice.

Donovan Silversmiths, spanning three generations with over 50 years of experience, will be represented by Victoria Donovan. She will shed light on learning and working alongside Master Silversmith Peter Donovan, emphasising the importance of passing down traditional skills.

Eimear Conyard, known for her work in school jewellery in Kilkenny, will discuss her timepieces and sculptural jewellery. Her use of both precious and non-precious materials has earned her recognition on the international stage, with exhibitions in Ireland, England, Canada, the USA, and Europe.

The Irish Jewellers & Silversmiths Guild seeks to provide a unified platform for jewellers and silversmiths across the island of Ireland. The upcoming seminar is free and open to the public.