Searching for something sparkly (and extra special) this festive season? THE GLOSS explores the world of antique and vintage jewellery at the heart of Dublin City Centre …
Imagine stepping back in time – what kind of woman would you be? Would you go back to the Edwardian era and adorn your neck with a delicate negligée necklace for a ball? Or pair your new mini dress with an Art Deco ring for cocktail hour? Step into an antique jewellery shop, and you might just find yourself pondering these exact questions. For many, the greatest charm of vintage shopping lies in this opportunity to envision the passing of times through changing fashion styles. And for jewellery in particular, the element of sentimentality of a precious family heirloom, or the beauty of an old engagement ring can hold a value that transcends the notions of price and luxury.
In a city such as Dublin, which embraces its heritage while forging ahead into the future, stories of centuries past continue to shine through the sparkle and dazzle of antique and vintage shops. The Gloss invites you on a journey through Dublin’s antique jewellery scene, which weaves a tapestry of stories and beauty waiting to be unravelled.
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
Picture yourself meandering down the cobbled streets of Dublin, where history is etched into every corner. Among its gems, we can find the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, a specialty shopping haven housed in one of the city’s finest Georgian houses. The building which dates back to the 18th century was transformed into an imaginative shopping and leisure space in 1981 and has since become home to some of the city’s most enduring antique jewellery spots. Explore some of these special shops below …
1. Courtville Antiques
As you enter Courtville Antiques the subtle chime of a vintage bell transports you to a different era. The dimly lit shop conceals countless treasures, from Art Nouveau pendants to Art Deco rings. All safely guarded by the shop’s two loyal mascots, the Jack Russell Terriers Martta and Ester.
“We tend to be a bit purist and stick to antique pieces since they have endless stories,” shares owner Matthew Weldon, “They are all different, a bit quirky, and a bit unique.” And stories truly are at the heart of Courtville, whose catalogue includes rare finds like a Suffragette necklace in Art Nouveau style used during the Edwardian period to subtly flag allyship to the Women’s Rights Movement. These historical fun facts have also helped Courtville Antiques reach an audience beyond the physical shop thanks to Matthew’s TikTok account, which has amassed a total of 172.3K history-devoted followers. www.courtville.ie
2. Corr’s Antique
Our next stop is Corr’s Antiques. A long-lasting jewellery shop with a meticulously sourced collection that features rare gems, heirloom fine pearls, and time-honoured goldsmithing techniques. It’s the perfect destination for those in search of investment pieces that defy the passage of time, as well as for those who have already found their treasures and are looking into taking care of them and giving them a new life. One of the particular features of Corr’s Antiques is the service of alterations and repairs which takes place in their workshop, where master goldsmith Bernard Mainey and his apprentice keep this tradition alive.
Mainey has been dedicated to his craft since he was 16 years old and today at 84 years of age his artistry lives on, strengthened by his six decades of experience right at the heart of Dublin, which has brought up stellar moments like his work in the creation of the Fingal’s Chain of Office, a piece constructed in nine-carat gold designed by Patrick Flood, Mainey’s mentor at the time, as the result of a goldsmith competition held in 1993.
“There is a small handful of working goldsmiths left,” says owner Keith Kirwan, “We wanted to maintain that as a part of the business. We are working jewellers. It’s who we are.” It is this devotion to the value of forgotten tradition that makes Corr’s Antiques stand out. A sentiment that strikes right at the heart of the antique world and the ethos of Corr’s Antiques. www.corrsjewellers.ie
3. Delphi Antiques
No exploration of Dublin’s antique jewellery scene would be complete without mentioning the renowned Delphi Antiques. This boutique, tucked away in the Antique Gallery, since the birth of the Powerscourt Mall in 1981, exudes an aura of opulence and baroque refinement that mirrors the pieces it houses. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of the era it hails from. A haven for those seeking eclectic vintage finds and mementoes frozen in time.
Delphi Antiques boasts a collection that spans centuries, composed of Georgian-era necklaces and Victorian brooches amongst many other rare treasures. This range of offers makes the shop an ideal place for an antiques enthusiast who enjoys finding new homes for unusual finds, just as much as Delphi’s owner Declan Corrigan does – especially if they come with a good story. This philosophy on antiques is encapsulated by the intimacy of the shopping experience, where Corrigan often personally guides customers with the help of his trusty canine sidekick, Damian. Whether it’s an engagement ring or a unique piece, at Delphi Antiques there is as much beauty in the journey as there is in the destination.
“I find the consultation process very fulfilling,” Corrigan tells us as he explains he receives numerous requests for special occasions. In these cases, he claims that the role of the curator goes beyond technical knowledge and calls for a particular sensibility and intuition. “There can be unpredictability in the world of antiques. But I believe in the idea that if something is meant for you, it will find you.” www.delphiantiques.com
