Maureen Lynch Pendant

A group of ten Irish jewellery designers leaves Dublin this Thursday to participate in Inhorgenta, the world’s largest jewellery trade fair, which takes place in Munich, Germany.

The presence of the contingent of Irish jewellery makers at this annual international show opens up substantial export opportunities, with 32,000 trade visitors from 80 countries expected at the four-day event from 10th to 13th February.

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is supporting the presence of the jewellery designers at Inhorgenta as part of its drive to bring Irish craft and design to a global audience. The ten Irish makers will exhibit together under the Imagined, Designed, Made in Ireland identity.

“We are very excited about our participation for the first time at this important trade show,” said Brian McGee, Head of Market Development at the Crafts Council of Ireland. “Inhorgenta will give the makers a valuable opportunity to showcase their designs to buyers from all over the globe. With 1,100 exhibitors showing over 65,000 square meters of space, this event sets the scene for current and future developments in the world of jewellery and watches, gemstones, design, and technology. Being part of this show and exhibiting work alongside hundreds of their international peers will be a fantastic experience for our ten jewellers.”

According to McGee, Irish craft enterprises export an estimated €125 million annually and the potential to increase export sales is huge.

“Taking part in international shows like Inhorgenta is vitally important. This world-renowned event holds exciting potential, providing the participating jewellers with a unique opportunity to connect with buyers from all over the world and the possibility of developing strong export opportunities. Since the time of the Celts, Ireland has been internationally renowned for its quality jewellery making and we are on a journey to recapture this reputation,” McGee added.

The ten Irish designers en route to Munich with the Crafts Council of Ireland include both established names such as Alan Ardiff and Maureen Lynch and up-and-coming new talent including Rachel Swan and Filip Vanas.

The ten jewellery designers taking part in Inhorgenta areAlan Ardiff (Dublin), Seamus Gill (Dublin), Tuula Harrington (Cork), Enibas (Cork), Maureen Lynch (Dublin), Rachel McKnight (Belfast), Saba (Dublin), Eily O’Connell (Dublin), Rachel Swan (Dublin) and Filip Vanas (Dublin).

Many of the Jewellers are showcased in Kilkenny’s collections www.kilkennyshop.com