When fine jewelry designer Alexia Connellan married Novelist and Playwright Brendan Connellan in 2013, her love of Irish culture grew into a need to pay homage through her art. Her latest jewelry designs, set to release before St.Patrick's Day, reflect the emerald green isle as gemstones in her newest Ophelia Ring denote her admiration of Ireland and its people, including her father-in-law Liam Connellan, Director General of the Confederation of Ireland in the 70's.
“I really admire Irish culture’s emphasis on family, community, and caring for other people’s well-being. The Irish believe that helping a fellow human is the right thing to do, and that no amount of money or privilege can make any one person worth more than another. I believe this too. That ethos is something both Liam and I share in our work and in our ambitions—to make the world a better place, even if it’s just for one person.”
The designer also created an Art-Deco pair of Gatsby earrings that can be worn in five different ways. Her Ophelia Ring, which houses an 18.66 ct. cushion cut indicolite gemstone, is largely inspired by John Evert Mill's painting. She often says the Irish countryside reminds her of her native Jamaica.
According to a statement from Alexia Connellan, “The very first time I saw Ireland, I was shocked at how beautiful it was - and, yes, how green! There are shades of green in Ireland that I have not seen anywhere else in the world. From the seafoam green water of Donegal to the moss green grass of The Burren, Ireland's otherworldly beauty is inspiring. I trust that all Irish eyes will be smiling and joyful when glimpsing the velvety green of the Gatsby pendant and the energetic teal of the Ophelia ring. I hope these jewels remind all those who look upon them to appreciate the beauty of Ireland in all its majesty."
About Alexia Connellan
Alexia Connellan creates bespoke fine jewelry, inspired by architecture, vibrant tropical colors, and the lushness of nature. Throughout her childhood, Alexia spent summers visiting her grandmother in Jamaica, surrounded by the elegance of Jamaican Georgian architecture, absorbing the style’s balance, proportion, and joy of color. Her meticulous approach to design has earned her three prestigious American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards, as well as red-carpet prestige. Recognizing that many mining communities are composed of BIPOC, just like her, Connellan is committed to ethics and sustainability in sourcing and design. She uses ethically sourced Artisanal and Small-Scale Mined (ASM) colored gemstones and post-consumer recycled diamond melee, in her pieces whenever possible. Connellan aims to both benefit the environment, and bring more money and resources directly to local mining communities. An advocate for change, she encourages fellow designers to question gold and gemstone sources about mining practices, instilling a positive mark on the trade. Visit alexiaconnellan.com to learn more.
Information originally sourced from Artfix Daily.
