“My work has a primitive feel but it is also extremely glamorous,” explains Tuula Harrington, a goldsmith by trade who crafts pieces that empower the wearer.

“I’m trying to get people to push their idea of what jewellery is. I want to reawaken why we wore jewellery in the first place. There was a sense of display, of self-confidence and empowerment. I want to help portray and stimulate that”.

There is also a rock ‘n’ roll aspect to her designs. Tuula has made several pieces for musician KT Tunstall, including a necklace of multiple silver plectrums.

One of her pieces is a deer antler set with diamonds, citrine and some gold. The antler is earthy and contrasts with the sharp edges of the cut stones. Another pieces made of glass looks like it was chiseled from ice.

Tuula established the Designworks studio in Winthrop Arcade, in the heart of Cork city centre in 2007. You can watch her work at her bench there while you browse the gallery.