Breda Haugh
Although her work may not be familiar to U.S. retailers, Breda Haugh is one of Ireland's foremost jewelry designers. Like several of the top designers in Ireland, her early training and career began elsewhere. Haugh attended the famous John Cass College in London and continued to build her career in that city, subsequently returning to Dublin where she now has her workshop. Haugh has for many years worked Celtic influences into her jewelry pieces—but with a striking contemporary twist.
"Ireland is moving toward higher quality in jewelry—partly due to the 'Celtic tiger' economy—and designers, manufacturers, and retailers are responding really well to the challenge," says Haugh. She works mainly in silver and gold, and the majority of her pieces are hand finished. Although she sells mostly to independent jewelers, she also exports to both Germany and the United St