The Goldsmith’s Journal

“If you fall in love with the imagination, you understand that it is a free spirit. It will go anywhere, and it can do anything”
— Alice Walker
Portrait photograph of Master Goldsmith Nigel O'Reilly, sitting at his jewellery design workbench, in his west of Ireland studio, where he sees international clients.

The Art of Storytelling in High Jewellery

Nigel O’Reilly is not only a master craftsman and high jewellery designer, he is a seasoned storyteller. Through each and every bespoke piece of heirloom jewellery Nigel painstakingly handcrafts, he weaves a compelling narrative; a poignant tale distinctively told through his visionary and wholly unique use of precious metals and exceptional gemstones.

His unbridled imagination coupled with a technical prowess make dreams a reality – his and yours.

Learn more about Nigel O’Reilly

Nigel O'Reilly Jewellery designer sits in in west of Ireland studio with a client looking to commission a piece ofluxury jewellery. They sit at a glass table, looking at precious rare gemstones, actively engaging in conversation about the diamonds.

Latest Work: 'The Last of Us' Ring

Photo of black diopside gemstone, set in a large ornate rose gold ring, the side is embellished with cabochon rubies and pink sapphires. The ring was created by Nigel O'Reilly, in the west of Ireland, a master jewellery designer.

The latest addition to Nigel’s celebrated archive is ‘The Last of Us’ Ring; a visually stunning and masterfully designed collectible inspired by the apocalyptic television series of the same name..

Lavishly textured, 18KT rose gold frames a magnetic black-star diopside stone, extravagantly adorned by 632 diamonds, sapphires and rubies in evocative shades of blood-, flame- and cardinal-red.

Photo of black diopside gemstone, set in a large ornate rose gold ring, the side is embellished with cabochon rubies and pink sapphires. The ring was created by Nigel O'Reilly, in the west of Ireland, a master jewellery designer.

The deep well of the central black gemstone is an eloquent expression of human catastrophe and devastation, yet its breathtaking beauty embodies a restorative message of triumph in adversity and artistry amid tragedy.

Lovingly crafted with passion and purpose in Nigel’s Wild Atlantic Way studio, it is a bold and opulent piece that speaks of resilience, tenacity and mastery.

Learn more about ‘The Last of Us’ Ring

Photo of black diopside gemstone, set in a large ornate rose gold ring, the side is embellished with cabochon rubies and pink sapphires. The ring was created by Nigel O'Reilly, in the west of Ireland, a master jewellery designer.

Recent Coverage in Barron’s Penta

“Nigel O’Reilly is one of the great talents to emerge in fine jewellery circles over the past decade”
— Barron's Penta

Barron’s wealth-management magazine Penta recently highlighted Nigel O’Reilly as a trailblazer in contemporary fine jewelry. As the first and only Irish goldsmith to be sold at Sotheby’s New York and to hold a solo exhibition at Sotheby’s Los Angeles, Nigel is reshaping the landscape of luxury jewelry design.

Throughout the interview, Nigel shares his vision and speaks passionately about his creative drive and ambition to elevate fine jewellery into a boundary-breaking artform that exceeds his own and clients’ expectations.

“A lot of these pieces I am making are to challenge myself, and to make me excited about the work. I want to do what I love and that’s making beautiful pieces of jewellery while constantly trying to push the boundaries to show people what’s out there and what can be done if you’ve got the right skill and mindset.”

Follow Nigel O’Reilly’s creative journey on Instagram:

Inspired by the music of the one and only David Bowie, Nigel O'Reilly's Cat's Eye Nebula is a cosmic wonder. The centre stone is a Lightning Ridge opal. Formed over millions of years through a rare process where silica-rich water solidifies in ancien
Nigel O'Reilly will host the Irish launch and signing of Evolution of a Goldsmith on Wednesday, December 11th, at 6:30 PM in the Harry Clarke Lecture Theatre, National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Supported by the Irish Jewellers and Silversm
Each diamond in the Electric Blue Diamond Bangle is ethically sourced and meticulously hand-set, every stone is secured by four titanium beads. A true masterpiece of expert craftsmanship, brought to life in the wild landscape of Mayo, in the west of
“We're doing what we’re doing in the most rural part of Ireland, the last place people expect high jewelry to be made,” O’Reilly says. “I’m using my remoteness as an advantage. It’s easier on my business, I&r
In November 2024, Nigel O'Reilly proudly debuted his book, Evolution of a Goldsmith, near his studio in the town of Castlebar. Special thanks to fashion journalist, Marie Kelly, @mariekellywrites for hosting an intimate chat with Nigel on the night.
Nigel O'Reilly's Neptune sapphire ring was specially designed and created for a Texas-based client. Combining heirloom materials, diamonds, and sapphires, this design highlights the exceptional beauty of the centre stone, which is set in white and ro
Neptune Ring | A private commission: An exquisite 18kt white gold ring featuring a client's heirloom stunning blue sapphire centre stone. Surrounding the sapphire, Nigel hand-set sixty-four pink diamonds, with two hundred and thirty-six white diamond