Roscommon goldsmith takes her jewellery to Ireland Fashion Week

Roscommon goldsmith and jewellery designer Lydia Clayton is exhibiting at Ireland Fashion Week today, October 10th at Windmill QTR in Dublin.

Lydia has been selected as one of 90 designers taking part in Ireland Fashion Week, a major showcase of Irish fashion, jewellery and accessories. At Windmill QTR, 29 Irish designers are coming together under one roof to present their work.

For Lydia, the event is a significant milestone in the development of her business, giving her the opportunity to showcase her jewellery to a national audience alongside other Irish designers.

She is showing her Queen Medbh collection, inspired by the ancient landscape of Rathcroghan, as well as a selection of standout bespoke pieces created for clients over the years.

“I’m really excited to be part of Ireland Fashion Week. It’s a huge opportunity for me to bring my work to a national audience, and I’m very proud to be bringing a little bit of Roscommon with me," she said.

Lydia is particularly grateful to the clients who have trusted her with their jewellery and have allowed their pieces to be exhibited as part of the event.

Today is also particularly special for Lydia personally, as October 10th is both her birthday and the fourth anniversary of establishing Lydia Clayton Goldsmith.

Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in rural Roscommon, Lydia was surrounded by hard work from an early age. Helping her parents with the farm taught her determination, resilience and the importance of seeing a job through, qualities that have stayed with her throughout her career.

She began training in jewellery and metalwork at 17 and has spent more than 13 years developing her skills at the bench in Ireland and abroad. Her work today is completely bespoke, with every piece designed and handcrafted individually for the person it is made for.

“Nothing I make is factory made. I’m very hands-on with my work, and craftsmanship is my main goal. Bespoke jewellery takes time, particularly when I’m creating something I haven’t made before. Sometimes you need to see a piece physically in metal before you know exactly what it needs. If I think something can be improved, I’ll make that adjustment. I won’t let something leave my workshop if I don’t think it is right.”