Soraya Ricalde

Working with the finest natural metals of gold and silver, and with precious and semi-precious gemstones for over twenty years now, Soraya Ricalde is an experienced Goldsmith, Designer and an expert in her field.  She manages her thriving business from her workshop at The Leitrim Sculpture Centre based in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.

A Spanish native, Soraya qualified in gold and silver smithing before gaining further knowledge and expertise in professional studios and workshops in Spain and Ireland.  She re-located to Ireland in the early 2000s and in 2008, she settled in North County Leitrim to open her studio and establish her bespoke business.

Soraya’s award winning and sympathetic approach to her materials, coupled with her keen eye for balanced design won her the prestigious ‘New to the Market’ Leitrim Enterprise Board Award in 2009,  just one year after opening her doors for the first time.

Her jewellery is inspired by the simplicity and beauty of the natural world – the shape-shifting weather patterns all around us, the architectural reference of a steep cliff face, or the sculptural quality of old trees.

A childhood spent beachcombing for shells, pebbles and colourful sea glass by the Atlantic ocean in Cantabria, brought forth the inspiration for the curved lines and distinct fluidity of form that have become a signature in her designs.

She now fuses these graceful lines borne from her childhood surroundings with her current muse; the ancient lakes and rugged mountains of North County Leitrim. The blending of these two influences has produced a clean contemporary style and unique design ethic that is entirely hers.

 
Together with the very best precious metals of sterling silver and 9ct/18ct yellow and white gold, and setting these with precious stones, Soraya continues to experiment in her personal studio at L.S.C with more unusual materials such as copper, wood, fabrics, shells, plastic, glass, etc creating original, modern and functional pieces.