Jewellers have never been busier, and Irish men are said to be particularly generous at Christmas. Alanna Gallagherpicks some investment pieces and some affordable trinkets. Can you tell which is which?
Jewellery is something that makes women feel sexy," says Paul Sheeran, whose creations have graced the well-toned arms, ears and necks of Dublin society. "They're discovering that their collection doesn't just have to be classic, safe pieces. Nor does it have to be worn day in, day out. It can make women feel powerful. As with all the best accessories, a smart piece can make an outfit."
When it comes to high-end jewellery, it is statement pieces - quality items that stand alone - that are capturing the purchasing public's imagination, explains Phyllis MacNamara of Galway shop, Cobwebs. "Women's purchasing power is also on the rise, with many women themselves investing in their first diamond."
"Unusual designs, such as our handmade ring with tsavorite centre stone, pavé set peridot and champagne diamonds, will definitely be bought by a woman for herself," says Diarmuid Brereton of Lorcan Brereton Jewellers. It's priced at €5,200.
"Mounted solitaires are proving very popular, while the desire for coloured stones such as yellow diamond, tanzanite and indicolite tourmaline is unprecedented," says Phyllis MacNamara.
"Women want more than just diamonds," adds Paul Brereton of John Brereton Jewellers. "They want unusual stones such as black opals, pink tourmaline, yellow and orange sapphire. They don't want to be wearing the same ring as everybody else."
"There's a big rush on gold, rose gold in particular, which is finally back in fashion after a decade of white metals," observes Gerry Appleby of Appleby Jewellers. "People want weighty pieces, which makes no economic sense given that the price of gold has rocketed. There's a big move away from fussily-designed pieces towards more durable and everyday ornamentation."
"Diamonds may still be the king of rocks but cultured pearls are making a comeback," says Diarmuid Brereton. They complement the ladylike silhouette in this season's fashions and also add warmth to the skin."
"Irish men are very generous when it comes to gifts of jewellery at Christmas, " says Jodie Wainright of Boodles. "They invest heavily in girlfriend purchases, as much as they do for wives and fiancees. Often they'll buy the whole suite of jewellery, the necklace and earrings, not just the piece she's been hinting at."
Hiding jewellery in a box within a shoe box is a standard method of disguising the nature of a present, says Wainright. "Men also love to mask the jewellery box by placing it in a Russian doll-type wrapping situation, where you have to open several boxes to get to the gems," adds Sheeran. "It adds mystery and makes more of a play of the unwrapping part of the process. If we want to be really mean, we tie the knots extra tight."
At Appleby they've wrapped jewellery inside chocolate boxes and have put rings into Champagne bottles. "We had one client who put a loose diamond atop a chocolate and his girlfriend ate it. Try ice cubes, they're a lot less messy," is Gerry Appleby's advice.