Derived from the Irish phrase “a heart of honey,” CROÍ MEALA is rooted in handmade craftsmanship, using recycled metals and ethically sourced materials to create jewellery that coexists with the planet. Treen's collections draw inspiration from the deep-running myths of her homelands, the landscapes she walks, and the stories passed down through generations of storytellers.
What began as a personal endeavour - making pieces for friends - has grown organically into a fully fledged business. Since founding CROÍ MEALA, Treen has been affiliated with the London Goldsmiths’ Centre and supported through an Innovation RCA accelerator programme for emerging talent. Craftsmanship and sustainability remain at the heart of her practice, with every piece handmade in her studio. She envisions CROÍ MEALA as a space where art, history and magic intertwine through traditional metalworking techniques.
Treen's journey into this space has been anything but linear. She initially studied textiles and went on to work in lingerie, yet she found herself continually drawn to metals and accessories, jumping at any opportunity to make pieces for herself or within her workplace. After three years in the fashion industry, and still not quite finding her home, Treen took a year away and moved to Melbourne. The time and distance, paired with the city’s vibrant community of young designers and independent brands, gave her the confidence to pursue jewellery more intentionally when she returned.
She was accepted into the Royal College of Art’s Jewellery and Metal programme, receiving a full scholarship from Burberry to undertake her studies over the following two years. During her time there, her work was selected for a curation by the Artistic Director of Jewellery at Louis Vuitton and shortlisted for two awards.
Find our curated collection of Treen's works here.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based between the Isle of Man and Donegal, Ireland, two beautiful wild places!
Do you have a morning routine / daily ritual before arriving to your studio?
I really enjoy having a slow morning! A cup of tea is non-negotiable and then usually a nice stretchy yoga and breakfast before hitting the studio. My partner and I often dogsit so when we have a pup staying, I’ll swap yoga for a morning walk instead, which is another lovely way to start the day!
What does a typical day at your studio look like?
I always begin by planning out my day and catching up on emails. I find it tricky to switch between creative and admin modes, so I dedicate whole days to one or the other. If I’m at the bench, I’ll pop on some music and spend the day making and slowly getting messier and messier as the day goes on! Or if it’s an admin day, I’m usually curled up on the sofa with my laptop, tea in hand! I actually love having such different types of days; it means I can listen to my energy levels and shape my work around them.
How did your brand / company begin?
I undertook my jewellery training at the Royal College of Art and unfortunately was sent home halfway through due to the pandemic. Although it was difficult to lose access to tutors and equipment, it forced me to open my practice up to my local community and the world around me. I began working more with natural processes and older techniques which became the foundations of my brand!
How would you describe your company ethos?
At the heart of CROÍ MEALA is a respect for both heritage and the environment. My work is about creating jewellery slowly and thoughtfully, using traditional techniques and responsibly sourced materials that honour both the land and the communities connected to it.
Where do your materials come from?
I take a lot of care with sourcing my materials! All my metals are from a recycled source to combat destructive mining practices. When it comes to diamonds and gemstones, it’s a much more complex process! I have spent a lot of time researching and finding suppliers and now only work with lab-grown, post-consumer, hand-harvested or family run mines! Each project gets its own thoughtful choice depending on what feels most ethical and fitting.
How long does each piece take to make?
That really varies! For some of the smaller pieces I can make them in a day however other more complex projects that require different processes may take up to 6 weeks!
How does your design process work from idea to finished product?
I usually start each collection with a mood board of visuals and topics from books that have inspired me. I find quite a lot of creative inspiration from words and phrases which I then develop into stories and visuals in my head. Nature also plays a huge role in my process — I collect forms and textures from walks along the countryside or beach and often translate them directly into pieces. My process isn’t always linear, but eventually all the threads come together!
What do you listen to or watch while you work?
It depends on the task! If I need to concentrate, I’ll go for piano or ambient music that has no lyrics. But if I’m doing something repetitive, like rough filing or shaping wax, I’ll put on a comfort show. Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Charmed are my favourites — I can’t resist that 90s witchy vibe!
Where did the inspiration for your pieces on the C et C website come from?
Those pieces are from my most recent collection, Druaightys Ny Marrey - which means Romance of the Sea in Manx. I created the collection while walking the coastlines of Ireland and the Isle of Man across the seasons, watching the landscape transform and drawing inspiration from that changing rhythm.
How do you overcome creative lulls?
Walking is one of my favourite ways to overcome creative blocks or to solve problems. I find if I walk and think it over, often talking to myself as I go, it usually brings up something new!
Do you have other projects in the pipeline?
I am currently working on a project with Culture Vannin on the Isle of Man to promote 2026 are the year of the Manx language. I’m creating a small collection based on Neolithic and Viking burial sites on the Island and integrating Manx words into the designs. It’s a project very close to my heart!
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m currently reading Christina Dodwell’s books of travelling on horseback around the world. Her books and experiences are so inspiring and are sparking adventure ideas in my mind!
What dream would you still like to fulfil?
I’d love to do a solo travel adventure in the future, being brave enough to go into the wild on my own!
Do you have any tips you'd like to share with other artists?
To keep the enjoyment alive! Most creatives are in it because of love and yet the creative world can be so tough. If you find it’s draining you or taking away that enjoyment, take a step back and see what you can change to bring that feeling back.
