MoMuse: the Dublin gem that’s dazzled the ‘New York Times’

Fashion Forward: Margaret O’Rourke’s jewellery boutique is one of the NYT’s five must-visits; Deirdre Duffy weaves spellbinding scarves; and Swatch’s time comes again

Jewel in the town: MoMuse in Powerscourt Centre, Dublin

Sat Oct 07 2017 - 06:00

After the New York Times cited her jewellery shop as one of five shops not to be missed in Dublin, Margaret O'Rourke, founder of MoMuse in the Powerscourt Centre, suddenly acquired a whole new clientele for her affordable, colourful and understated pieces.

18ct yellow gold ring with sapphire and diamond €3,400 from MoMuse, Powerscourt Centre, Dublin

Working with one of the last stone-setters in Dublin, she makes a lot of jewellery in her boutique and has recently launched a new collection of fine jewellery and gemstone rings. “People don’t want blockbusters rings any more – they prefer them more discreet,” she says. Delicate bracelets, subtle gold earrings and fine rings glistening with emeralds, sapphires or diamonds in shining 9ct gold start at €110 for gold bar earrings and €175 for gold bar bracelets; the rings, which are made to order, range from €695 for a band up to €3,440 for a sapphire and diamond band. Visit momuse.ie

Wizard weaver

This lovely cowl neckpiece called “The Rising Sun” in black, white and yellow is by wizard weaver NCAD graduate Deirdre Duffy, who launched her Wild Cocoon label a year ago at Showcase. “My approach to weaving is somewhat wild – I fight against straight lines and I absolutely love colour and fluidity,” says the Mayo native, who has a string of awards to her name including an RDS gold medal in tapestry weaving. More recently she was voted Accessory Designer of the Year as well as winning the overall award at the Fashion Innovation Awards this year.

Handwoven lambswool cowl “Rising Sun” from Wild Cocoon by Deirdre Duffy €95.

Duffy is based in a studio in Claremorris over one of Ireland’s oldest shops, one that has remained in the same family since 1820. Her Wild Cocoon scarves, blankets and cowls sell in Granny’s Bottom Drawer in Kinsale; Cleo in Dublin; Kilkenny Design Centre in Kilkenny; Cait & I in Sligo; Ashford Castle, Co Mayo and Welcome Centre in Queen’s Belfast. Prices from €95 for the cowl, scarves €210, oversize €300 and blankets €325.

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Wear it

Swatch’s autumn/winter collection builds on the brand’s history of blending style with Swiss precision watchmaking. We particularly like this pared-back Skingala (€125) as a chic addition to any wrist. Available at Swatch Store Grafton Street, the Jewellery Hall Arnotts, Dublin Airport T1 & T2 and stockists nationwide. DMcM