LOVERS of silver precious jewellery are in for a real treat at this year’s Guildhall Craft Fair thanks to creative designs of Joanne Gamble Jewellery and Banshee Silver who will both be exhibiting at this year’s event in November.
Silver jewellery is really popular at the moment and are an ideal Christmas gift. The organisers of the Guildhall Craft Fair are delighted to have top jewellery designers of this calibre taking part in the event.
They are two of over 40 exhibitors from all over the island of Ireland exhibiting as part the Derry City and Strabane District Council organised event scheduled to take place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 November.
Joanne Gamble Jewellery specialises in gold and sterling silver jewellery that is handmade in her workshop in Inch Island Co. Donegal.
She will be showcasing her unique range of ladies and gent’s jewellery in both silver and gold, as well as earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks, All of her silver products are 925 silver while all her gold items will be 9ct to 18ct with findings.
She is looking forward to being part of the Guildhall Craft Fair and to promote her designs. Ashe takes the majority of her influences from the Inishowen peninsula and its amazing scenery.
She said; “All of my work is inspired by my home in Inishowen and is designed and handmade in my workshop in Bridgend.
“The design process is very natural and can begin on paper and develop from there or on some occasions be as simple as taking a piece of metal and allowing it to be worked to where it goes.”
Joanne’s designs have been described as both organic and geometric and are clearly influenced by all things nautical as well as traditional styled jewellery design.
She has exhibited her work all over Ireland and is looking forward to showcasing her jewellery to the local market in Derry and Donegal.
Belfast based Irish jewellery designer Una O’Boyle will be exhibiting her Banshee Silver designs when she takes part in the Craft Fair.
Well known for her Celtic mythology and folklore inspired designs, Una is looking forward to selling her unique produce to the Derry audiences.
She explained: “All of my designs are inspired by Irish mythology, folklore and nature and all my jewellery pieces come in a branded box with a story card outlining the inspiration behind the piece.
“The pieces are made in quite chunky sterling silver and are hallmarked in Dublin Castle.
“I have ranges that are inspired by the Irish seasons, Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain and I also have pieces inspired by old Irish goddesses such as Morrigan, the Banshee and Queen Mebh, as well as the ancient Ulster heroes such as Cuchulain and Fionn MacCumhaill.
“I am launching a range of limited edition pieces at the Guildhall this year. Pieces are made of fine silver and 18 karat gold and will feature the Grianan of Aileach and the River Goddess Boann among others.”
Now in its 24th year, the Guildhall Craft Fair continues to be one of the most loved retail events in the run up to Christmas.
This year’s event runs from 23 – 25 November with the opening times as follows – Friday (12 noon to 7pm), Saturday (10am – 6pm) and Sunday (11am – 6pm).
Admission fee is £1 per adult and free for children under the age of 14.
The event will feature 45 craft stands on the upper floor of the Guildhall, and an artisan food hall in the ground floor with seven stands selling bespoke products and tasty treats.
For more information about the Craft Fair visit – www.derrystrabane.com/craftfair
The Craft Fair marks the start of the city’s Festive celebrations and full details are available at www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
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