One of Hannah’s jewellery pieces.
By Harry Walsh
GLENTIES jewellery designer Hannah McGuinness was the winner of a top award at the Milan Jewellery Week held recently in the Italian city.
One of the most glittering and exciting events of the year, the annual Artistar exhibition celebrates tradition and innovation in the world of international jewellery. These awards are the selected choice of a network of galleries from around the world.
Hannah’s remarkable ability to seamlessly blend originality and architectural influences with modern creativity earned her the jury’s appreciation and distinguished her as an award recipient.
On the recognition, Hannah said: “I was truly honoured to be invited to participate but to receive an award is unbelievable and overwhelming.
“A huge thank you to Yael Reisner, curator and gallery owner of Objects Beautiful in London, for the recognition and opportunity to collaborate in the future.”
Hannah earned recognition for two exceptional pieces, Ion and Wavelength, skilfully crafted using a clever combination of materials, colour and designs.
Each piece encapsulates a story that interprets the energy and beauty of the Donegal Atlantic coastline and Northern skies.
Hannah was one of 250 designers from all around the world who received an invitation to design and make pieces for selection to the tenth edition of the prestigious exhibition. She was the only Irish designer.
“I feel honoured, overwhelmed and proud that my work was chosen to be part of such a wonderful event and such an amazing showcase of international talent,” she said.
A graduate of the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Hannah qualified in the 1990s after completing a foundation year in Letterkenny RTC (ATU Donegal), but it was almost a decade later before she set up her own studio.
“Initially, I did a lot of teaching in Dublin. I also supplied a few galleries and did a collection every so often as I needed a paying job for the bills,” she laughed.
The McGuinness family ran a small family business in Glenties and, eventually, the lure of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way brought her home. Her brother, Jim, is the current manager of the Donegal GAA squad.
“I enjoyed every day of my life as a student and liked nothing better than to experiment with different materials and techniques. I love design and it comes naturally,” she added.
Through innovative techniques and meticulous attention to detail, Hannah McGuinness Jewellery continues to redefine the jewellery industry today.
“You can find me in the studio day or night working away. Some people might say that I’m a bit of a workaholic but I prefer to think that I’m happy out working in the studio on my own,” she smiled.
Hannah makes contemporary one off and limited edition jewellery pieces, using a mix of precious and alternative materials.
“I’m blessed to have such a loyal customer base who keep coming back to me. I make pieces for young, old, male and female. I take great pride in my work and it really pleases me to see lots of different age groups wearing similar pieces,”she said.
Hannah was busy preparing for a show in Dublin in early December when she spoke.
“There will be customers there that have attended the show for each of the past twenty years or more. I find that incredible and it really helps to give me motivation and self belief. It is the customer who has helped put me where I am today and for that I’ll be forever grateful. When your name is attached to something you want to be proud of it.My craftsmanship is very important to me,” she said.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I said yet to Milan earlier this year but it looks like 2025 is set to be a busy and exciting year,” she added.
Hannah works to commission from her studio outlet on the Main Street in Glenties. She is also a founder member and creative director of the Donegal Designer Makers who have a shop at Front Street, Ardara where the collective showcase their works.
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