At GG Designs, handcrafted jewellery is created using reclaimed and natural materials, such as Irish mussel shells, reclaimed leather, and fabric offcuts.

At the heart of the work is a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy — transforming materials that might otherwise be discarded into beautiful, meaningful pieces. The designs are inspired by nature, especially the Irish coastline, embracing organic shapes, textures, and colours that reflect the movement of the sea and the rugged beauty of the landscape. Each piece tells a story of renewal and transformation, celebrating imperfection and the hidden value in overlooked materials.

The brand values craftsmanship, conscious design, and storytelling — ensuring every creation is ethically made, aesthetically striking, and emotionally resonant. In addition to its direct-to-consumer work, GG Designs also engages in wholesale partnerships, sharing its sustainable vision with retailers, galleries, and boutiques.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

There isn’t really a “typical” day in my studio, which is one of the things I love most about it. One morning might be spent carefully cleaning and sanding down mussel shells that we had eaten the night before for dinner, while the afternoon is dedicated to experimenting with reclaimed leather or cork oak fabric. Some days are all about making, others are spent sketching new ideas, sourcing sustainable materials, or preparing wholesale or website orders. Every piece has its own journey, so every day brings something new.

What do you like most about your work?

What I love most is transforming materials that might otherwise be overlooked into something beautiful and meaningful. There’s something very satisfying about taking an Irish mussel shell, a piece of reclaimed leather or cork oak fabric and giving it a new life as a piece of jewellery that someone will treasure.

What do you like least about your work?

If I had to choose one thing, it’s probably the less creative side of running a small business. Making jewellery is what I love, but there are also emails, admin, bookkeeping and inventory to keep on top of. It’s all part of the job, but I’d rather be at the workbench creating.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

My favourite craft item in my home is my leather die-cutting machine. It’s probably the hardest-working piece of equipment in my studio! It allows me to cut reclaimed leather and cork oak fabric with precision, helping me create consistent, high-quality pieces while reducing material waste. It’s not the most glamorous tool, but it’s one I couldn’t imagine working without.

Tell us about your first craft item you made

The first piece of jewellery I made came about quite by accident. I had some leftover mussel shells from a framed art piece I was working on and was struck by their beautiful natural shape. I immediately thought they would make a stunning pair of earrings.

I also had a huge collection of fabrics to hand and jewellery findings from my metalsmithing college days (I’m definitely a bit of a hoarder when it comes to creative materials!), so I started experimenting with different combinations. After plenty of trial and error, I finally created a piece that was not only beautiful but also comfortable and wearable. That moment sparked my passion for transforming unexpected materials into jewellery and ultimately inspired the direction of my work today.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get inspiration from the world around me—especially the Irish coastline. A shell, a texture, or even a piece of discarded material can spark an idea. I love the challenge of looking at something others might overlook and imagining how it could be transformed into a beautiful piece of jewellery. That’s where many of my designs begin.

Who is your inspiration?

I come from a long line of incredibly strong women, and I draw a great deal of inspiration from both of my grandmothers. They were creative in very different ways, but each taught me the value of making things by hand, resourcefulness, and seeing beauty in everyday materials. Their creativity, resilience and determination continue to inspire me in both my life and my work.

Is sustainability an important aspect of your business?

Yes, sustainability is a very important aspect of my business and one of the main reasons I started creating jewellery in the first place. I love finding beauty in materials that might otherwise be overlooked, such as Irish mussel shells, reclaimed leather and cork oak fabric, and giving them a new purpose. By repurposing materials and making each piece by hand in small batches, I aim to create jewellery that is both beautiful and mindful of its environmental impact. For me, sustainability isn’t just about the materials I use—it’s about encouraging people to value craftsmanship, longevity and thoughtful consumption.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

One of the most challenging aspects of my craft is working with natural and reclaimed materials, as no two pieces are ever exactly the same. Every mussel shell has its own shape, texture and character, which means I can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. It often takes patience, experimentation and problem-solving to transform these materials into beautiful, durable pieces of jewellery. While it’s challenging, it’s also one of the things I love most because it ensures every piece is truly unique.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Absolutely! In fact, my entire jewellery business began with a happy accident. I had some leftover Irish mussel shells from a framed art piece I was working on and couldn’t bear to throw them away. As I looked at them, I noticed their beautiful natural shapes and wondered if they could become earrings. After a lot of experimenting with materials I had collected over the years, I created a piece of jewellery that I loved. What started as a simple experiment ended up inspiring a whole new creative direction and eventually became the foundation of my business.

How do you balance creativity with the business side of things?

Some days I feel like a jewellery maker, and other days I feel like a photographer, marketer, accountant or packer! Running a small business means wearing lots of hats. I try to protect time for creativity because that’s the heart of my work, but I’ve also come to appreciate that the business side is what helps me share my jewellery with the world. Finding the balance is an ongoing process, but after 15 years in jewellery retail, I understand how important both sides are.

What made you choose your discipline?

My path into jewellery making was a gradual one. After art college, I spent 15 years working in jewellery retail, where I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, design and the stories behind the pieces people wear. Although I was surrounded by jewellery every day, it wasn’t until later that I decided to pursue the making side myself.

In fact, I enrolled in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing on the very same day my first child started primary school. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter for both of us. Combining my creative background, industry experience and a desire to make my own work eventually led me to develop my sustainable jewellery practice using materials such as Irish mussel shells, reclaimed leather and cork oak fabric.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member

I would absolutely encourage anyone serious about their craft to consider becoming a DCCI member. Running a creative business can sometimes feel quite solitary, so being part of a wider community of makers is incredibly valuable. DCCI provides opportunities for learning, networking and showcasing your work, while also championing Irish craft both nationally and internationally. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded creatives and feel part of something bigger than your own

Favourite book?

Anything by Ken Follett

Favourite film?

Million Dollar Baby

Best concert you have ever been to?

I have to pick 2 from last summer. Ludovico Einaudi (I called my cat Ludo after him) and Queen of the Stone Age in Kilmainham.

Favourite meal?

I’m a divil for a charcuterie board.

What do you listen to?

At the moment I can’t get enough of Jamie Duffy. The guy is only 25 and a musical genius!