A little background info....

For  over 35 years Deirdre O’Donnell has specialised in creating and selling customised, bespoke and hand-crafted Jewellery using 18ct gold, platinum and silver with precious and semi-precious gemstones. 

Deirdre was traditionally trained as a Goldsmith Apprentice that she followed with a 2 year design and creative course at The School of Jewellery in Birmingham. In both 1987 and 1988 she was awarded the prestigious 'Emma Jessie Phipps Scholarship' from the Birmingham School of Jewellery and graduated with a distinction and a Higher National Diploma in Design and Goldsmith Skills. 

Deirdre opened her first Jewellery creative workshop in Soho, London in the early 1990's. The experience gained in these early days in London, where she was amongst a creative group of  Worldwide goldsmiths working together in Soho, was invaluable. 

Deirdre held many successful exhibitions in London during this time and travelled to Paris to visit a fellow Goldsmith whose traditional workshop and showroom was in the prestigious and exclusive Parisian area of St. Germain. The French style of jewellery captured her imagination and still influences her designs today. 

With Worldwide clients, Deirdre returned to base her studio and workshop in Dublin in 1996 and to join Dublin Jewellers, but continued to travel to London, Paris, the U.S.A. and Australia meeting fellow Goldsmiths and clients and selecting gemstones to use in her customised jewellery and Objets D'Art.

She has featured in many publications including The Irish Times, Image Magazine, Social & Personal, Confetti and has been interviewed on Virgin Media Television.

Deirdre started The School of Jewellery Ireland in November 2011 to prevent the loss of technical skills in the jewellery industry.

In 2016, The School expanded to teach The Full Time Certificate Course and in turn a 2nd & 3rd Year of this Full Time Course.

Deirdre also opened a retail showroom and jewellery studios at 19, Anne Street South at this time and moved the School to be located above the showroom. 

In September 2023, The School of Jewellery Ireland was handed into the capable hands of Goldsmith and Tutor, Paul Coyne who continues to grow and evolve The School of Jewellery Ireland, also from 19, Anne Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Deirdre continues to tutor the One Year Jewellery Skills and Design Course from 19, Anne Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Claudia began working with Deirdre in 2006 and has been part of Deirdre's team for over 17 years.

Initially, Claudia joined as an assistant to Deirdre on a part-time basis, however her role has grown and evolved so that she is now a senior member of the team and is now also training in the art of jewellery making under Deirdre's instruction. 

Claudia has been an integral part of so much that has kept the school and the shop running smoothly over the years. In December 2022, Claudia took control of making the candles that are now sold through the shop and website. She is also the face that welcomes all customers and students to both The School of Jewellery Ireland, Deirdre O'Donnell Contemporary Jewellery and Deirdre O'Donnell - Jewellery Skills & Design Courses 

In recent years she has been promoted to the role of Retail Shop Manager and is very happy to take on any challenge or task.

She is an invaluable member of the team.