Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.”
Experiences come and go, however this one is one of a kind that can’t be missed! Silver Works ticks the box in every category, promising an unforgettable and memorable experience. From interactive jewellery classes to wedding ring workshops, what better way to personalise your big day than creating the perfect wedding ring for you or your beloved?
Owner Madeleine Blaine alongside jeweller Audrey Corrigan shared a glimpse into their Silver Works journey. Below we jump into the world of everything silver, so better clear your diaries as you’ll be booking your classes in no time. Onwards we go!
How was Silver Works born?
Silver Works was born with the help of Madeleine Blaine of Gallardo, Blaine Designs and Sinead Murphy of Cosmic Boulevard in August 2018. The idea was inspired from someone who used the Airbnb experience platform to reach out, while on a quest of looking for more craft businesses to join their new initiative.
Madeleine was then inspired by the idea of setting up silver forging classes. That was the core idea that made Silver Works what it is today.What started as one to two ring forging classes per week from a little basement on 24 Drury Street, has now blossomed into a fabulous business running at least 14 classes per week. Through hard work and passion, Silver Works now proudly occupy three floors of this beautiful and historically steeped Dublin building.
Silver Works is now a committed team of silversmiths and jewellers offering a variety of workshops in the heart of Dublin’s creative Quarter. Along with sister company “The Collective” which is an independent jewellery and gift store where you’ll find creative brands as well as pieces from Ireland’s most wonderful artists.
What inspired you to be part of the journey?
Audrey tells us, “It is such an exciting time in Dublin to be a crafter. I came on board in 2019 alongside Maddy, Sinead, Isis and Kayleigh who have built Silver Works into what it is today.”
“There are also so many amazing women with us, who work incredibly hard to make Silver Works what it is today. Jill, Clodagh, Ciara and Jane to name a few”.
“I have always wanted to be part of a small business that loves to share the craft of jewellery making and this is the place! I am inspired every day by these incredible women.”
Can you tell us about the workshops that you offer?
“It all started with our ‘Forge a Silver Ring Workshop,’ which is still one of our most popular classes,” says Audrey.
Silver Works currently offers a wide range of classes such as, ‘Make Your Own Initial Charm,’ ‘Intro to Silver Clay,’ ‘Intro to Jewellery Making,’ ‘Wax Carving’ and ‘Gem Setting.’
“And of course our unique romantic Wedding Ring Workshop and Girls Nights that are perfect for a hen nights and stags,” adds Audrey.
What makes the Wedding Ring workshop so special?
“We get to meet the most incredible couples in our workshops!” Audrey explains, “What makes it so special is that our couples are guided through every single step by our professional jewellers.”
“We keep our classes limited to three couples with two expert jewellers to help you make one of the most important pieces of jewellery of your life!” We’re told that the glass of bubbly at the end to celebrate is the cherry on top!
What is the best part about being involved in the creative jewellery industry?
“Collaboration! I get such a buzz out of getting to create and design jewellery and workshops with the team.”
If you could be any piece of jewellery what would you be and why?
“A wedding ring of course! I love that it is such an important piece in people’s lives”.
What is something that you wish everyone knew about Silver Works?
“That we are primarily a female-run business,” says Audrey. We love that!
What does the future hold for Silverworks, and what are your dreams for the next five years?
Madeleine explains, “the dream for Silver Works is to grow our workshops. We have just expanded to a second venue on the same street to be able to fit in all the tourists and our growing local clientele.”
The team at Silver Works hopes to grow further “Maybe open a second location, perhaps in Belfast or London.” Madeleine says, “We are also always coming up with new classes and courses and I love the idea of growing our Ring Carving Kit as well, so that people can make rings from the comfort of their own homes and keep crafting even after our in house workshops.”
“Finally, as our team grows, so do the group of talented jewellers who work here. We are growing our bespoke team too, where we can help design and make your ideal piece of jewellery with you.”
Silver Works’ award-winning jewellery making classes have received over 2,000 five-star ratings, and been named the ‘Most Reviewed Experience in Ireland’ by Airbnb. It is unquestionably an experience that you must have!
“We were also named a winner of Europe’s Travel and Hospitality Awards 2020 and a finalist for ‘Hen & Stag Supplier of the Year 2020’ by Weddings Online.”
Whether you’re looking for a date night idea or planning a hens night, or if your goal is simply to embrace the craft, Silver Works allows you to create magic using silver that can be treasured forever by the ones you love.
For more info or to book check out silverworks.ie or over on Instagram @silverworksdublin.
