Author: Ruchi Singla

Australian jewellery retailer Lovisa is preparing to open its first store in Cork city, continuing its expansion across Ireland. Known for its fast-fashion jewellery, the brand will occupy the former GameStop location at 47 Patrick’s Street.A New Occupant for Patrick’s StreetThe site, which has been vacant since GameStop ceased operations in June 2023, is undergoing refurbishment. Workers have been seen repainting the building, and Lovisa’s distinctive logo has been installed on the storefront. While the opening date has yet to be announced, job postings for a Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager in Cork were recently added to Lovisa’s website, signalling…

The Positive Luxury Awards has announced the launch of its 2025 programme, which celebrates organisations across the luxury sector that are advancing sustainability, innovation, and ethical business practices. These awards spotlight efforts to address critical global challenges while setting higher standards across the supply chain.Award Categories and EligibilityOpen to luxury brands, retailers, and suppliers, the awards span six categories: Jewellery & Watches, Beauty & Fragrance, Fashion & Accessories, Premium Drinks, Travel & Leisure, and Interiors & Living. Applicants will be evaluated on initiatives that demonstrate progress in environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance.Submissions will be assessed by an independent panel…

The parent company of Chupi has reported significant financial losses for 2023, alongside a reduction in workforce numbers. New financial filings reveal losses of €1.96 million for the year, marking an increase from the €1.3 million loss recorded in 2022.Directors of the Dublin-based company, led by Chupi Sweetman and her husband Brian Durney, confirmed accumulated losses at Blazenvale had reached over €2.8 million by the end of 2023.Ms Sweetman previously described the 2022 losses as planned investments in marketing and branding. During this time, the company opened a flagship store on Dublin’s Clarendon Street in late 2022.Staff reductions have accompanied…

Two jewellers in Dublin’s Omni Shopping Centre were targeted in a major burglary early Monday morning. Mark Josef Jewellers and Cara and Co had their shop windows smashed, resulting in the theft of gold items worth over €150,000. The incident occurred around 2:15 am.Details of the BurglaryMark Doherty, owner of Mark Josef Jewellers, shared the harrowing details of the break-in. Doherty was alerted to the robbery at 8:00 am by another trader in the centre. He described the scene, stating, “They came in Sunday night, Monday morning, about quarter past two. There’s two jewellers here, they smashed and cleared out…

Kerry-based FiorSó has launched an exclusive new collection at Brown Thomas as part of the CREATE 2024 initiative. This programme, now in its 14th year, highlights exceptional talent from 26 designers across Ireland in fashion, handbags, accessories, and jewellery. FiorSó’s Journey to CREATE 2024Sara Ross, a former lawyer with experience in London and Shanghai, founded FiorSó in 2021 after relocating to Kerry in 2016. Initially continuing to commute to London for work, she later decided to pursue her passion for jewellery design, leading to the creation of FiorSó.Reflecting on being chosen again for the CREATE programme, Sara expressed her pride:“We’re delighted to…

Hannah McGuinness, a jewellery designer from Glenties, Donegal, is lending her support to the Design and Crafts Council Ireland’s (DCCI) Made Local campaign. This initiative aims to boost Ireland’s sustainable design and craft industry by promoting locally crafted products.Promoting Sustainable CraftThe DCCI’s Made Local campaign aims to promote the quality and value of Irish-designed and craft-made goods. It encourages consumers to make more conscious and sustainable purchasing choices.The Work of Hannah McGuinnessMcGuinness, known for her contemporary and limited-edition jewellery pieces, focuses on the interplay of form, texture, and colour in her creations. Her work features a sculptural and individualistic style.The Impact…

A recent robbery at Rhinestones Jewellery & Gifts, an established antique jewellery store in Dublin’s city centre, highlights the increasing issue of retail crime in urban areas. The store, located near the Molly Malone statue on Andrew Street, suffered a break-in where thieves smashed through the front window and stole jewellery, contributing to a rising number of similar incidents in the area since the beginning of the year.Targeted Theft in a Changing Urban LandscapeThe robbery involved a calculated approach by the perpetrators to bypass the store’s security measures, specifically targeting the antique windows characteristic of the store’s Art Deco design.…

Galway’s Hartmanns has collaborated with Fabergé to create a unique piece of jewellery that marries luxury with history – an egg surprise pendant that reimagines the traditional Claddagh Ring.The pendant features 18ct yellow gold and green guilloche vitreous enamel, adorned with 15 round brilliant cut white diamonds. At its centre is a heart-shaped Gemfields Zambian emerald, and it is completed with an 18ct yellow gold trace chain and an egg tag. This creation joins Fabergé’s Heritage Collection, known for blending cultural richness with contemporary design.The Claddagh Ring, originating from the Claddagh area of Galway City in the 17th century, is a…

In a significant consumer rights case that has captured widespread attention, Rogelio Villarreal, a 27-year-old doctor from Tamaulipas, Mexico, successfully purchased a pair of rose-gold, diamond-studded earrings valued at over €10,000 for just €10 due to a pricing error on Cartier’s website. This unusual transaction has spotlighted the enforcement of consumer protection laws in Mexico and their implications for international luxury retailers.Incident DetailsThe earrings, typically priced at 237,000 Mexican pesos, were mistakenly listed for 237 pesos.. Villarreal, intrigued by the drastic price difference while browsing through a social media advertisement, proceeded with the purchase. Upon realisation of the error, Cartier attempted…