A new name among Irish jewellers is Aisling Nelson, who set up her own business - Rangoli - exactly a year ago. The company's name is Indian, describing the individual geometric designs women draw in chalk outside their homes. Originally trained in graphic design, Nelson's work now employs a variety of textile techniques such as weaving and tapestry. However, the majority of the pieces she is now making combine crochet with hand-beading detail.
She explains that textile jewellery creation tends to be similar to that using precious metals; much of her proficiency in the area came from working with spinner and weaver Mary Shiels. As the name Rangoli implies, Aisling Nelson finds the inspiration for her designs in the time she spent some six years ago travelling through India and Nepal.
Because metal threads are incorporated into many pieces, they take on the patina of old silver and gold; additional, light-reflecting brilliance is added by tiny glass beads stitched into the jewellery. At the moment, the designer has three ranges in production called Monsoon (based around a circular motif), Rock Pool (using bronze threads and iridescent beading) and Frost (antique silver thread and clear or pastel tinted beads). In addition, Aisling Nelson is keen to develop a line of customised jewellery for brides since she can make everything from earrings to necklaces. Prices range from £30 for the former up to £120 for the latter; individually commissioned work may cost more with tiaras averaging £95 to £200. At the moment, there are five outlets stocking Rangoli jewellery: DESIGNyard, Temple Bar, Dublin; Rose and Crown, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin; Vivien Walsh, Lower Stephen's Street, Dublin; Simply Art, The Curragh, Co Kildare; and The Waterfront Gallery, Westport, Co Mayo.
Aisling Nelson can be contacted at 01-4541953