This October, I’ll be packing up my jewellery and heading to Bucharest for Romanian Jewelry Week 2025 (ROJW) — one of Europe’s most exciting international showcases for contemporary jewellery. It’s an honour to be selected for the show and its a pleasure to be joined by four legends of Irish jewellers (more on this collab below). Together, we’re representing the strength and creativity of Irish studio jewellery on an international stage.
Why Romania Jewelry Week Matters
Romanian Jewelry Week 2025 (ROJW) has built a reputation as one of Europe’s key contemporary jewellery exhibitions, bringing together makers, collectors, curators, and galleries from across the continent. It’s not just about showing beautiful work — it’s about being part of a conversation. International jewellery shows like this highlight where jewellery is going as an art form, and how independent makers are carving out space in a fast-changing world.
For independent studio jewellers like me, it’s also about connection. At ROJW, I’ll meet other craftspeople who, like me, are doing things differently — creating by hand, experimenting with ideas, and refusing to let their work be dictated purely by trends or mass-market demands.
Why It's Imporant I Go
Every time I bring my jewellery to an exhibition, whether in London, Amsterdam, or further afield, I come away with more than just new eyes on my work. It sparks my creativity as I gain fresh perspectives, new friendships, and insights into how jewellery is being approached in other places. It reminds me that I’m part of a much larger story — one where craft and creativity still matter deeply, even in a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production.
A Special Collaboration
This year feels extra special because I’m not doing it alone. It's my pleasure to be exhibiting alongside four other independent Irish jewellery designers: Vanessa Murtagh (Vanessa Ree Jewellery), Natasha Heaslip, Louisa Scott and Siobhan McArdle (Azullion Designs).
The five of us exhibiting from Ireland have joined forces — pooling our skills, ideas, and resources. In a field where so much of the work is solitary (hours at the bench, hands covered in gold dust or polishing compound), collaboration is energising. Together, we can shine a brighter light on Irish contemporary jewellery than any one of us could alone.
The Bigger Picture for Makers
Being a studio jeweller today is both exciting and challenging. The Irish market is small, and to grow, I need to look beyond it. That means taking my work abroad, showing it to audiences who value individuality, experimentation, and the handmade. Europe is full of opportunities — but it’s also highly competitive. To stand out, you need to believe in your own path, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into existing categories.
That balance — between finding your niche and keeping your creativity alive — is something I think about all the time. I could simplify my work, make it more commercial, or follow the trends. But instead, I choose the harder road: staying true to my vision, and trusting that the right people will connect with it. Exhibiting internationally is part of how I make that connection possible.
Looking Ahead
As October approaches, I’m working hard behind the scenes: finalising pieces, organising shipping, planning displays, and making sure everything is ready for ROJW. It’s a huge amount of effort, but it’s worth it — not just for the chance to share my jewellery, but to grow as an artist and a business owner.
I’ll be sharing updates on instagram along the way, and I’d love for you to follow this journey with me. Whether you’re a jewellery lover, a supporter of independent craft, or just curious about how this world works, I want to bring you along — from Dublin to Bucharest and back again.