New jewellery collection is a celebration of sisterhood

I’ve been on the search recently for some new jewellery pieces to add to my collection.

I was delighted to come across the new AW24 collection from Irish jeweler Gemma O’Leary of Inner Island. The label was launched in 2015 and Gemma started her journey through various course and internships around the world from Canada to Scotland and nearer to home in Dublin.

The name Inner Island conveys that each of us has a core sense of self that must be nurtured and protected and this certainly rings through with the year that Gemma has had.

It has been a year of emotions for her with the biggest amount of joy with the arrival of her daughter Alva after seven years of infertility. Then came the struggle to find the balance within motherhood and the embrace of sisterhood as she navigates these new waters, as well as contemplation of the journey it has taken to get here. It is with these thoughts swirling around that Gemma created AW24. All Inner Island pieces are handcrafted in South Kilkenny using recycled silver metals and biodegradable packaging. Their stunning pieces can be resized, repaired, replated, restyled or recycled in house, helping to create a circular economy in the jewellery industry.

This new season is divided into separate collections like the Sister Collection. This collection is a celebration of sisterhood, a unique and powerful bond that transcends bloodlines, connecting women in a way that words often struggle to capture. It is a relationship built on love, trust, and unwavering support, capable of weathering any storm and celebrating every triumph. You also have the Joy Collection which celebrates the beauty of life's fleeting moments—those cherished times that bring daily joy. Like a curtain dancing in the wind, this beautiful creation reminds us to appreciate life's transience and the essence of truly living.

I have a particular penchant for rings and there are some beauties in this collection. The Treo ring gives the appearance of a ring stack but in one easy to wear piece while the Stay Soft comes in silver and gold and would look beautiful worn together and is an easy way to mix your metals.

The Sister ring reflects modern design with gentle curves that mimic calm water ripples and its so lightweight and comfortable making it ideal for daily wear and can be worn alone or in a stylish stack. Worn alone it gives a simple, elegant vibe but makes a beautiful visual impact when stacked with other rings.

With Christmas on the horizon and I know loads of people who have started their festive gift shopping, there are also pieces in the collection that would be perfect for gifting. Self-gifting sure but sometimes we have to buy presents for others and the A Little Joy earrings are sure to suit all earring wearers.

The petite gold stud gives a modern and playful feel and is a great every day earring and would look very stylish as part of an earrings stack. There’s also the Sister hoops that would match perfectly as a set with the aforementioned ring and would make a super special gift for someone who appreciates beautiful design and likes to support Irish design and craft.

Now that we’re in October I think its time to start dropping the hints and bookmarking those items you’d like to find under the tree!