Earrings from Depaor Design.

Gorgeous gifts for loved ones and yourself

There’s no denying the festive season is well and truly upon us.

I’ve even started my Christmas shopping just to avoid leaving it all to Christmas week and then realising I’ve bought nothing except self gifting items, and I also have 20 social engagements to attend and the bank balance is dwindling fast. You know, the usual scenario!

Anyway, this year I have my eye on some gorgeous pieces of jewellery and these are some of my favourites at the moment. First up is De Paor Design which is a Cork designed and made jewellery brand. Aisling Power, who owns the business is currently a stay at home mother and has a background in architectural technology. Aisling has always had a creative side and set up her business De Paor Design in Cork in 2022.

Pronounced ‘de-pway-or’, the name De Paor is the Irish for power. Just like the Power coat of arms, the earrings are simple, clean and elegant. Each pair of earrings is designed and handcrafted by Aisling. Her preferred medium is polymer clay, which is rolled, cut, baked, sanded, drilled and assembled by hand. This clay is very lightweight and durable. Each piece is unique and produced in very small batches. All hooks, studs and findings are hypoallergenic and comfortable to wear.

Aisling’s process is to work by hand producing small batches of all earrings with a focus on quality. Limiting the quantities of earrings produced means that you need to move fast to secure an exclusive pair which can be found at Depaordesign.com.

Another fav of mine is Irish brand eve ray designs which has launched a new mirror silver to their already stunning collection of mirror perspex jewellery. Along with new charm bracelets inspired by the traditional claddagh symbol, eve ray designs boasts a stunning collection of unisex mirrored perspex jewellery, designed and made in her Dublin studio by Maeve Barry. One of her best selling pieces - 'the garden 1925' earrings, inspired and named after the work of artist Joan Miró - has launched online on Blondethestore.com in new colour ways, including mirrored silver.

There is also a new colourway of her 'snobby party princess' earrings in two toned, silver and gold mirror - perfect for the season where we want to sparkle. Prices start from €55. New bracelets have also launched online, inspired by Maeve's love and collection of vintage charm bracelets. With a perspex charm - named 'shape of my heart' - inspired by the traditional Irish claddagh symbol. You can purchase a contemporary claddagh charm on its own or with a modern chunky gold plated bracelet, with vintage bracelets coming soon. The charms come in two sizes and prices start at €45.

eve ray designs has a stunning range of earrings, necklaces and bracelets - all designed and made in Ireland - with perspex material sustainably sourced in the UK. All earring backs, necklaces, bracelets and fixings are hypoallergenic, gold plated and nickle free.

Lastly for something a little bit different how about some homewares inspired by jewellery? I mean this is just the best idea ever and one that H&M home and jewellery designers Uncommon Matters have made a reality! H&M Home is delighted to present the upcoming creative collaboration with Berlin-based jewellery brand, Uncommon Matters.

The eye-catching collection consists of products reminiscent of jewellery for your home. Pieces include jewellery boxes, stands, trays, vases, candles, and candle holders. The Uncommon Matters x H&M Home collection is in select stores and online at hm.com/home.

Marrying the bold sculptural design language of uncommon matters with H&M Home’s design vision, this collection is inspired by the precious, intimate and personal character of jewellery and its place in our lives as objects. Transcending this sentiment across mediums, these soft architectures are the perfect gifts for loved ones or to treat yourself for the upcoming holiday season.