A group of multi award-winning Cork jewellery businesses launched the first ever Ireland Cork Pavilion at the International Jewellery Show London on August 30th. These dynamic and vibrant jewellery businesses came together under the umbrella of the Local Enterprise Boards in Cork to target international sales and grow their export markets. 

The five talented Irish designers competed with the best of international Jewellers at this export show. In advance of this trade show their designs have received international recognition with Cobh jewellery designer Angela O’Keefe chosen as the winner of the Editor’s Choice award in the prestigious Visual Impact category.  Her jewellery in silver and gold is designed to capture the radiance of salt crystals with precious metals.  Judge Claire Adler, jewellery and luxury correspondent with the Financial Times praised O'Keefe's creativity, stating: "The winner of this category, Angela O’Keefe, was inspired by a swim in the Dead Sea. When she emerged from the water, she was captivated by the crystals of salt that formed on her skin in the sunlight. The rings we’ve chosen are just gorgeous and photograph beautifully."

The winning pieces are showstopping rings; The Venice ring crafted in 9ct gold, deep blue resin and salt crystal evokes the luxury of the Renaissance and the Florida ring with its bright orange hue recall the warmth of summer. “As a first time exhibitor in the Irish Pavilion, receiving this award is certain to make my show an exciting experience.” said Angela on hearing the results. This stunning jewellery featured on the Runway show at IJL showcasing Angela’s work to the international trade buyers attending.

Angela’s jewellery is a celebration of colour and texture creating a stylish contemporary collection of earrings and necklaces, prices start from €150.  The jewellery is a creative fuse of salt crystals, glass shards and crushed semi precious gemstones in combination with gold, silver, resin and pigment. Her work is currently on sale in Designworks in Cork City and the Design Centre, Dublin; she exports her collection to UK based jewellery boutiques.  Angela is a graduate of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland Jewellery and Goldsmithing Course and has a Diploma in Art Jewellery from Florence, Italy.  She has exhibited her work internationally at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York and Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach.

With 2015 designated the “Year of Irish Design”, the five jewellers are very conscious of the need to promote design and creativity as an integral component of their business.  The wealth of design on the inaugural Ireland Cork Pavilion is evident, with jewellery designer Hanna Tommola winning the highly coveted silversmithing category award in the RDS National Crafts Award last week.  Cork City based designer and maker Audrey Lehane from Azure was awarded Best Jewellery Designer of the Year at the inaugural Mrs2Be Brides’ Choice Awards 2014.  Audrey said, “These awards are based on detailed feedback from “real” brides and grooms who visited our studio and purchased jewellery for their special day.”  Now in trading in its tenth year, Azure creates and sells exquisite contemporary jewellery including their wedding collection to national and international consumers from their Carey’s Lane workshop.

Mairead McCorley, Creative Director of Silverstone Dimensions from Midleton was also part of the Jewellery Pavilion.  “We have been trading with wholesales accounts for many years now and were delighted with the opportunity to target the export market with such a distinguish group of jewellers”.  Mairead is passionate about the design and craft community; a founder member of Cork Craft and Design with her jewellery now a part of the 2014 Cork Craft Month signature exhibition in Kinsale in August. 

Mary Enright Jeweller, Kinsale, also shared the spot light; her elegant and distinctive “ME” jewellery recently caught the eye of Dragon Peter Casey.  Mary said “I hope to establish “ME” as a brand of quality and style nationally and internationally within the jewellery sector, IJL show was the perfect sales platform.”  Mary launched her exquisite new collection at the Ireland Cork Pavilion, her designs are feminine with flowing lines inspired by roses and pebbles capturing the contemporary with a twist of classic styles.  

The Ireland Cork Pavilion was support by the Local Enterprise Office in Cork as part of their initiative to assist micro enterprises to trade international and support jobs.  Speaking at the trade show, Ciara McGee from LEO, South Cork said, “This is the first time we have taken a stand at the International Jewellery Show in London, we are thrilled with the reaction and success so far, this is one of several initiatives undertaken by the Local Enterprise Offices to support the design and giftware sector. The jewellery businesses on the Ireland Cork Pavilion have demonstrated their wealth of creative talent and we are delighted with their successes to date.”

Exhibitors:

Angela O'Keefe www.angelaokeefe.com  

Azure Jewellery www.azurejewellery.ie 

Hanna Tommola www.hannatommola.com 

ME- Mary Enright - Goldsmith & Jewellery Designer  www.maryenright.com  

Silverstone Dimensions www.silverstonedimensions.com