About the Artist

Heirloom by Shóna Hanley is a dedicated art studio, where craftsmanship and storytelling intertwine to create enduring works of art. Specializing in heirloom jewellery, illustration, and keepsakes, each piece is designed to be cherished—a tangible connection to the past, meant to be passed down through generations.

Rooted in tradition and created with intention, Shóna’s work embraces the beauty of simplicity and the significance of preservation. Using sustainable materials and meticulous handcrafting techniques, every piece is made to endure, carrying with it the weight of memory and meaning.

Heirloom is more than a collection of objects; it is a space where art becomes legacy, where the fleeting moments of life are transformed into something lasting. Each creation is a reflection of the lives we live, the love we share, and the history we leave behind.

 

Thoughts from Shóna

My interest in Heirloom pieces stems from a very early age and a love of stories and love. My favourite book is Wuthering Heights, and part of the romance and emotion of the story is about legacy. I love the imagery captured in the detail of the book; finding names carved into lintels and furniture, people from our past reaching through time and space to say "I was here, we are connected". It might be cheesy, but I love it.

When I started looking at a way to transform my art practice into a more physical sphere, metalwork came to me naturally. It speaks to me in it's permeance, its beauty, its value both financially and emotionally. In previous generations, jewellery was something that was passed down from generation to generation. It was a connection, it held meaning and space, it was also used as a source of financial security for women in particular. I think that's powerful, and I think that art is powerful, and I think that creating wearable art that is unique and connected to you is powerful.

Having a piece of unique, beautiful, valuable art that you can wear and keep with you through all of the best and worst moments of your life, and then pass it on to your children or your relatives when your life is over is just fascinating to me. Each piece is perfectly unique - it gathers emotions and experiences, it holds memories and lessons, it's the perfect way to communicate to generations to come - "I was here, we are connected".