From Medieval Chainmail to Contemporary Jewellery: A Collaboration with the British Museum
There are moments in a creative journey that feel particularly meaningful.
For me, one of those moments was seeing a selection of my jewellery chosen by the British Museum in London to accompany the exhibition “Thomas Becket Murder and the making of a Saint Exhibition”.
As a designer, I have always been fascinated by the connection between the past and the present. How ancient techniques, materials and craftsmanship continue to inspire us centuries later. This is especially true of chainmail, a craft that has become prevalent in my work.
For this exhibition, the British Museum selected a collection of sterling silver chainmail jewellery featuring amethyst gemstones. The pieces were chosen because both the techniques and materials reflected elements of the medieval world explored in the exhibition.
While chainmail is often associated with armour and protection, I have always been drawn to its other qualities. Its fluidity, its movement, its texture. The way hundreds of individual rings come together to create something strong, intricate and beautiful.
I love the contrast it embodies: strength and softness all at once...
In many ways, chainmail reminds me of women themselves. Individual and unique, yet resilient. Delicate in some ways, remarkably strong in others. Elegant, adaptable and enduring.
The amethyst selected for these pieces also held particular significance. Long treasured throughout history, this beautiful gemstone was known and valued during the medieval period explored by the exhibition. Combining sterling silver chainmail with amethyst created a natural connection between historical craftsmanship and contemporary jewellery design.
"Nymph Amethyst" earrings - one of my designs selected for the exhibition
This was not my first collaboration with the British Museum. The museum was first introduced to my work at Showcase Ireland in 2019, where my designs attracted attention for their distinctive use of chainmail combined with Murano glass from Venice, Italy ~ another traditional craft with a rich history and heritage.
What I find most inspiring about these collaborations is the opportunity to explore how ancient techniques can continue to evolve and find new expression today. Chainmail may once have been associated with armour, but in my hands it becomes jewellery. A medium for celebrating individuality, beauty and self-expression.
Each piece is assembled ring by ring, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The result is jewellery that is tactile, fluid and distinctive ~ jewellery designed not only to be worn, but to become part of a woman's own story.
At NAIIAD, my vision has always been to create jewellery that celebrates a woman's unique beauty and spirit, her strength and softness all at once.
To me, jewellery has always been more than adornment. It is a reflection of who we are. A way of expressing our individuality, our journey and the qualities that make us unique.
It is a privilege to see my work recognised within a museum context, but what brings me the greatest joy is knowing that these pieces go on to become part of the lives and stories of the women who wear them.
After all, craftsmanship may connect us to the past, but jewellery ultimately belongs in the present, accompanying us through our own journeys, memories and milestones.
About NAIIAD Designer Jewellery
NAIIAD creates handcrafted sterling silver jewellery inspired by the balance of strength and softness found in every woman. Combining traditional silversmithing and chainmail techniques, each piece is designed to celebrate individuality, confidence and self-expression through every step of a woman's journey ~ From bride, mother and beyond...
"Follow your path ~ Be your beautiful self" 
For more information contact NAIIAD Designer Jewellery. You can also visit About The Designer to learn more about the personal and creative vision behind my brand NAIIAD Contemporary Designer Jewellery.
info@naiiad.com
Thomas Becket: murder and the making of a saint | British Museum
