BelfastLive

Martin Cameron and Laura Breen, based in Randalstown, studied Jewellery and Silversmithing at the University of Ulster in Belfast and graduated together in 2014 ...

We get a lot of opportunity here in Northern Ireland from the Arts Council and people should really avail of their help as well." We're very privileged to have this as a job," Laura said. We pitched the idea to them and a couple of days before she arrived, they came to collect the brooch, then we found out it was Princess Anne." Laura said: "We knew starting out this was going to be hard. There's a lot of skilled courses you can do, especially over in London." We got a lot of really positive feedback from everyone," Laura added. We often go to the Ulster Musuem to get our inspiration as well." Goldsmiths is probably the most prestigious organisation there is in the jewellery industry in the UK, which makes this quite a big deal. Martin said: "It was quite a big deal for us to be involved in the SHINE programme, as we were only one of nine UK designers to be chosen for that. The pair find their influences in the landscape of Northern Ireland, and take pride in being able to create unique pieces of art jewellery. After graduating, Martin began to work for another jewellers, while Laura spent a few years travelling. "It was a bit of a shock for us but it was brilliant," Laura said.