Kildare jeweler sees her brand as continuously evolving

Bespoke jeweler and Caragh native, Siobhán McArdle, believes the passion for her craft was sparked as a teenager as she browsed shops looking for pieces that caught her eye. Walking the same path as her aunt - who ran her own handmade jewellery business - Siobhán now creates her own limited-edition bespoke jewellery pieces to convey emotions, stories and concepts, transforming metal and gemstones into wearable art.

She and her company, Azulion Designs, craft pieces with passion and precision which are inspired by extensive international training and a deep love for the craft.

“My obsession with jewellery started as a teenager,” Siobhán says, recalling how she grew up beading jewellery with her aunt. “I would drift to any jewellery section in a shop, always thinking, ‘Is this it?’ My journey has taken me from studying Business and Spanish in college to discovering my true calling as a goldsmith.”

Siobhán began exploring goldsmithing in The School of Jewellery in Dublin and completed an art portfolio course in 2018, which led her to apply for a Design Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) course in Kilkenny.

After graduating from Kilkenny in 2021, she worked in a manufacturing company for over two years where she built on her extensive technical skills. Siobhán has completed various courses in Florence, Copenhagen and Rome under masters of goldsmithing in order to expand her knowledge and push the boundaries of conventional jewellery making.

The turning point came in 2018 during an intensive course in Italy. “The passion, skill, and dedication I witnessed there blew me away and solidified my decision to pursue a career as a goldsmith,” she says. Upon returning home, Siobhán completed an art portfolio course focusing on exploring emotions through jewellery.

This led to her acceptance into a prestigious Design Crafts Council of Ireland course, a transformative experience that further ignited her passion and refined her skills.

She says, “I recognise the intricate web of connections around us. I weave stories into my jewellery designs. I’m inspired by the beauty of art, architecture, and the essence of human emotion. [I] explore the psyche and draw from the influence of sculpture and empty space.” Her collections - Full Circle and Commence I - are testaments to her exploration of human emotion through design. Full Circle, inspired by St. Brigid, symbolizes the inevitable darkness of light and the coming of spring, capturing the cyclical nature of life and renewal.

Commence I delves into themes of procrastination and the struggle of creation, highlighting the importance of creating space for experimentation and growth. As part of this collection, Siobhán has created two statement sculptural pieces that she says are “extensions of the body”. The Commence Ring is hand-sculpted in hard wax and cast in sterling silver. It is finished by hand with a contrasting matte and polished touch. Finally, it is set with a prasiolite stone. She describes it as “a bold extension of the body”. Her dedication to her craft was further recognized in 2022 when she had the opportunity to work at the Homo Faber exhibition in Venice.

Her impressive international training combined with her dedicated passion resulted in a distinct original voice. “I envision my brand as continuously evolving, pushing the boundaries of design while delving into the realms of human emotion and connection,” she says. Siobhan creates both sterling silver and gold pieces featuring high quality, traceable gemstones sourced from trusted suppliers around Europe.

This bespoke service allows customers to express themselves through one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces imbued with personal meaning. “My collections are a way of exploring my internal world and how I perceive the world,” says Siobhán. “With a bespoke piece, I work with you to weave your story into a piece of jewellery.” In recent times, Siobhán decided to move to Rome to further her career and establish herself as a full-time designer/goldsmith. There, her passion for wax carving - which originated in her college years in Kilkenny back in 2019 - reignited. The endless potential offered by this medium continues to fuel her creativity and adds another dimension to her many skills. Approaching wax carving with the precision of a skilled goldsmith, she ensures each delicate detail is crafted with care.

Dedicated to producing finely crafted pieces that reflect both craftsmanship and artistry, she merges traditional goldsmithing techniques, modern methods and creative storytelling to craft a distinct, original voice. Siobhán envisions her work continually evolving, persistently crafting and releasing new works driven by her unwavering passion.

She says, “With a bespoke order, I help the customer realise a piece that reflects their personal expression. Every individual has particular passions, a distinct story to tell and a unique way of seeing the world.”

To learn more, follow @azuliondesigns on Instagram or visit azuliondesigns.com.