Switching from actuary to jewellery design might not seem like the most obvious career move, but for Tracy Gilbert it made perfect sense.

“Throughout my childhood, I was always drawn to sparkly things and everything with a Celtic design, so I guess these interests combined later on in life for me,” she explains.

Born in Dublin, Tracy Gilbert went to a small Gaelscoil, Scoil Chaoimhín, on Marlborough Street and continued studying through the Irish language in Scoil Chaitríona in Glasnevin. In 2002, at the age of 25, she graduated with a first class honours BSc in Financial & Actuarial Maths from Dublin City University.

“I was on maternity leave with my second child and I wanted to do a course to get out of the house for a few hours,” she explains of her move from finance to design.

“I was torn between astronomy and jewellery making and so I tossed a coin. Astronomy came up trumps, but both my husband and I said at the same time ‘nah’ and so began my pivot in life and my love of designing and making jewellery.”

Tracy went on to study at the School of Jewellery in Phibsboro, run by goldsmith Deirdre O’Donnell. “In hindsight, I think this was my destiny,” she says.

“I was working part-time as an actuary and as a jewellery designer and I felt I wasn’t doing either to the best of my ability. I was excited by the world of jewellery and the fact that every design was an extension of me. I was able to impact people in a way that wasn’t possible as an actuary and I loved it.”

Tracy Gilbert at Newgrange, Meath.

This, coupled with clients like the Kilkenny Shop and the Irish Design Gallery that had taken a chance on Tracy’s work, allowed her to commit to becoming a full-time jewellery designer.

“I made a special piece for a family friend that was a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Celtic design and from there I found my style. I then followed my heart and embarked on a career as a jewellery designer and it allows me to embody my free spirit and love of my Irish heritage,” she explains.

INSPIRATION

Tracy is hugely inspired by ancient sites such as Newgrange, and the idea that on a certain day of the year, everything aligns so that the sunlight illuminates the millennia old burial chamber. “I find it absolutely fascinating and love the idea of light playing a part in jewellery design,” she explains.

In her Circle of Light collection, for example, the sun is at the very centre of the pieces represented by a beautiful golden citrine gemstone and each of the eight spirals represents a Celtic festival.

With two small children, Tracy had decided to work part-time and continue to make jewellery as a hobby, but was convinced to go to Showcase Ireland, run by the DCCOI, for market research purposes.

“Within a couple of days I had orders from top retailers in Ireland and the United States including the Kilkenny Group, the Irish Design Gallery,” she says. “I’ve always lived my life by the old saying ‘what’s meant to be won’t pass you’ and at that moment it became clear that this was meant to be.”

With her newfound love, Tracy established Tracy Gilbert Designs, a company committed to crafting every piece in Ireland, which is central to the brand’s mission.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recently Tracy’s work has been showcased in the British Museum. “It’s been a real confidence booster. Like most creatives, I’m nervous about how my new designs will be received. To get an order from the British Museum is the pinnacle of my career so far. To think my work will be in the Grenville Room is mind blowing. This is a building that houses works of art from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt and to think that there’s a little bit of Tracy Gilbert is deadly.”

Other highlights include providing pieces for Barack and Michelle Obama, and in the future, Tracy hopes A-listers such as Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson will be wearing her creations on the red carpet.

Shortlisted for the Fingal Enterprise of the Year Awards earlier this year, Tracy hopes to grow her business to the point where it is recognised internationally as a mark of quality and for creating pieces that allow the wearer to tell their story.

“The meaning behind the pieces is so important to me and continuing to make pieces that resonate with people is key,” she says.

“I always have ideas for future collections whizzing around my head and I can’t wait to work on these and create new designs. I’m always excited about the future because I honestly believe that my best work is ahead of me.”

Tracy’s work is now stocked at Kilkenny Shop (Nassau Street), Triona Design & Irish House (Donegal), The Irish Design Gallery (Dun Laoghaire), The Design Loft (Enniskerry), The Irish Pub Shop, Dingle Goldsmiths and selected US retailers. For further information, visit www.tracygilbertdesigns.com