This year marks a very special milestone for us as we celebrate 85 years of Solvar. What began in 1941 as one man's vision to create jewellery inspired by Ireland has grown into one of Ireland's longest-established jewellery brands. Over the past eight and a half decades, our collections have evolved, our team has grown, and our jewellery has found homes all around the world. Yet through it all, one thing has remained the same: Ireland continues to inspire everything we create.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we're looking back at the people, moments and traditions that have shaped Solvar's story and looking ahead to the future of Irish jewellery.
Celebrating 85 Years of Solvar: Inspired by Ireland Since 1941
Where It All Began
Our story began in 1941 when Gustaf (Nicky) Obernik took his family on a weekend break to Killarney to visit the famous Gap of Dunloe. Gustaf was surprised to see the volume of visitors that were attracted to this beautiful landmark, and he started to explore the idea of designing and manufacturing Irish jewellery inspired by Ireland’s rich history and heritage.
He founded Solvar in a small workshop at 10 Harcourt Street in Dublin. Inspired by Ireland's landscapes and heritage, he wanted to create jewellery that allowed people to carry a piece of Ireland with them wherever they went.
At the time, the business had just two employees; he could hardly have imagined what it would become. Solvar has grown into one of Ireland's best-known jewellery manufacturers, employing over 50 people - and in its 85 years in business has created over 320 different styles of Claddagh rings and sold in excess of 3 million rings to customers all over the world.
Gustaf was also an innovator. He became one of the first jewellers to incorporate Connemara marble into contemporary jewellery designs, creating pieces that celebrated one of Ireland's most unique natural treasures. Many of the symbols and materials that inspired our earliest collections continue to influence our designs today.
Three Generations of Family
One of the things we're most proud of is that Solvar remains a family business.
In the 1960s, Gustaf's sons, Tony and Nicky Obernik, joined the company and helped guide the next stage of growth. They built on their father's vision while continuing to prioritise quality craftsmanship, strong relationships and a genuine love of Irish heritage.
Today, the third generation of the family continues that legacy. Grandson, Marcus Obernik, joined Solvar in 2002 and, as Creative Director, has spent more than two decades leading design and innovation across our collections. While trends and styles have evolved over the years, Marcus continues to ensure that Ireland and its heritage remain at the heart of every design.
As Marcus often says, "Creating new jewellery is about finding ways to bring together heritage and modern style while staying true to the symbols and stories that have connected people to Ireland for generations."
The People Behind Solvar
While the Obernik family has guided the company for 85 years, Solvar's story would not be possible without the talented team behind the scenes.
Our people are everything, and they love what they do. We have some of the best goldsmiths and master craftspeople in Ireland working to create beautiful pieces in our Dublin studio to go out all over the world. Our quality pieces are produced to the highest standards and hallmarked by the Assay Office in Dublin Castle.
One of those people is our master goldsmith Paul McCue, who has been working with Solvar for over 30 years. Using his vast experience he carefully crafts our stories of Ireland such as the Claddagh & Trinity Knot into timeless pieces of Irish jewellery to continue our rich cultural legacy.
Speaking of his craft, Paul says: "No two Claddagh rings will ever be the same because of the weight of the stories and the people behind them. The beauty of my craft lies in how I play a part in how families around the world share their traditions and Irish heritage from generation to generation. I feel connected to my country, and I’m proud to share that with the world."
Across every department, from design and manufacturing to customer service and sales, it is the people of Solvar who continue to shape the business and ensure that every piece meets the standards we have always believed in.
A Look Back at 85 Years
- 1941 - Gustaf (Nicky) Obernik founded Solvar in Dublin.
- 1940s - Our first workshop opened at 10 Harcourt Street with just two employees.
Early Years - Collections inspired by Celtic heritage, Connemara marble and Irish symbolism became the foundation of the brand. - 1960s - The second generation, Tony and Nicky Obernik, joined the family business.
- 2002 - Marcus Obernik joined Solvar as Creative Director.
- 2020 - Solvar.com launched, allowing customers around the world to shop directly with us online.
- 2026 - Solvar celebrates 85 years of Irish jewellery design and craftsmanship.
From a small Dublin workshop to a global Irish jewellery brand, our journey has always been guided by the same purpose: celebrating Ireland through meaningful jewellery.
Looking to the Future
Although we're proud of our history, we are equally excited about the future.
The way people celebrate their Irish heritage continues to evolve, and we believe Irish jewellery should evolve with it. Today, our customers are looking for pieces that feel meaningful, personal, and versatile enough to wear every day. Whether that's a traditional Claddagh ring, a contemporary tennis bracelet or a modern Map of Ireland pendant, our goal remains the same.
We will continue listening to our customers, honouring Irish craftsmanship and finding new ways to tell Ireland's story through jewellery.
After 85 years, we're still inspired by the country, culture and people that first inspired Gustaf Obernik back in 1941.
Final Thoughts
When we look back on the last 85 years, we're incredibly proud of how far we've come. From a workshop with two employees to a family business recognised around the world, Solvar's journey has been shaped by generations of craftsmanship, innovation and a deep connection to Ireland.
Most importantly, we'd like to thank our customers, stockists, partners and team members, past and present, who have been part of that journey. Your support has helped us reach this remarkable milestone, and we look forward to continuing the story together for many years to come.
Solvar Team
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Solvar founded?
Solvar was founded in Dublin in 1941 by Gustaf (Nicky) Obernik. What began as a small workshop creating Irish-inspired jewellery has grown into one of Ireland's longest-established jewellery brands.
Is Solvar still a family-owned business?
Yes. Solvar remains proudly family-owned and is now led by the third generation of the Obernik family, continuing a legacy that began more than 85 years ago.
What makes Solvar jewellery unique?
Every Solvar design is inspired by Ireland. From Claddagh rings and Trinity Knot jewellery to collections featuring Connemara marble, our pieces combine Irish heritage, meaningful symbolism and quality craftsmanship.
How has Solvar changed over the last 85 years?
While our collections and designs have evolved to reflect changing styles and customer preferences, our commitment to Irish heritage, craftsmanship and storytelling has remained unchanged. From our first workshop in Dublin to customers around the world, Ireland continues to be at the heart of everything we create.
How many Claddagh rings has Solvar created over its 85-year history?
Over the past 85 years, Solvar has created more than 320 different styles of Claddagh ring and has sold over 3 million rings to customers around the world.