The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Show reviews
  • Music
    • Live music
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Literature
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

Fashion & BeautyShopping & Trends

The Irish treasure from Port Elizabeth

The Irish treasure from Port Elizabeth
2 August 2012
Pooja Sahny
Avatar
Pooja Sahny
2 August 2012

Dublin, a city full of life and full of colour, has been hiding one true South African gem. The gem is none other than Sam Lafford — owner, designer and goldsmith at Dublin Diamonds.

Originally, Sam chose to specialise in fitting and turning at a technically based secondary school in South Africa, despite his heart being more focused on jewellery. He went on to graduate in Tool Making and Precision Engineering.

“When I was younger I didn’t really know what I wanted to be. I loved making little trinkets and giving them to close friends. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I realised jewellery was my calling.”

After moving to Ireland at the age of 25, Sam decided to re-invent himself. “It was a challenge starting over and learning a new field; fortunately the years in tool making gave me a unique skill set that have been invaluable over the years.” And thus, his career path in jewellery began.

Having had his “Catheral Ring” and “Angel Wings” featured in magazines such as NONE Magazine and the Sunday Independent Life Magazine, Dublin Diamonds owes much of its success to exclusive platinum and gold commission pieces. Each piece starts off as a bar or sheet of bullion, and some pieces end up a third of their starting weight. Selective use of computer-aided design has helped Sam to minimise his material waste. However, working with his hands still remains his real love.

The detailing that Sam, along with his younger brother Greg, applies in the workshop, manages to create is what is remarkable. His tool making background ensures fine detailing and perfection throughout the piece.

Dublin Diamonds is situated right at the heart of Dublin. You can view these magnificent and fascinating creations via their Facebook page. It is best to meet this charming South African for yourself and design an exceptional piece together.

So, what is still to be expected from this incredibly talented jeweller? “I am really excited about my new ranges. There is going to be lots of colour, gemstones and diamonds. All one-of-a-kind fine jewellery designs in gold and platinum.”

And who inspires Sam Lafford? “There are a few designers around Place Vendome whom I really admire. To see people who have put themselves out there, designing what they enjoy rather than what is expected, that gives me heart to go my own way.” Watch out Paris, Sam Lafford is heading your way!

Pooja Sahny
Photos: Courtesy of Port Elizabeth

Related Items

More in Fashion & Lifestyle

Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Greenery and wellbeing

Rebekah Absalom
Read More

LGBTQ+ friendly places around Pride London celebrations

Frankie Reddin
Read More

Five sustainable swimwear brands to try this summer

Rosie Davis
Read More

Ten spring wedding guest outfits you’ll want to be photographed in

Sophie Cook
Read More

Connaught Village celebrate summer with inaugural Garden Festival this Saturday

The editorial unit
Read More

Ruggable: The machine-washable rug

Rebekah Absalom
Read More

Ladies’ fashion: Seven wardrobe staples for summer

Rosie Davis
Read More

Kensington’s newest hair salon: Jamie Stevens Hair

Rosie Davis
Read More

Spring beauty: The new beauty launches to try this spring

Rosie Davis
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap
  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Eagles bring a nostalgia-laden evening to the BST Festival in Hyde Park
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Africa Fashion at the V&A
    ★★★★★
    Art
  • “He used to spit at the audience, roll on the ground, he did, in fact, hump that plastic dog – he was the original punk rocker”: Baz Luhrman, Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge and Alton Mason on Elvis
    Cinema & Tv
  • The Princess
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at London Palladium
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • The Terminal List
    ★★★★★
    amazon
  • Baymax!
    ★★★★★
    disney
  • St Vincent at the Hammersmith Apollo
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at London Palladium
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • St Vincent at the Hammersmith Apollo
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Netflix Walking Tour: From Bridgerton to The Crown, a free walking tour through the filming locations
    Cinema & Tv
  • Africa Fashion at the V&A
    ★★★★★
    Art
  • Minions: The Rise of Gru
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why
With the support from:
International driving license

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Marilyn’s memorabilia: Vintage Seekers sell rare collectibles to commemorate anniversary of her death
Watch out Victoria… Here’s Felice!