A View from the Bench

As we all become increasingly aware of and supportive of sustainability, it's something that has been on the back of my mind for some time. A recent conversation led me to reflect on the By Leahy brand, and, while there is always more that can be done, I realised that it has its sustainable benefits too, as seen in its raw materials, production process, and packaging. Appreciating how important this is for my customers, I thought it would be good to highlight a few things that might make you happy to know.

I am delighted to introduce a new addition to the popular Slip Collection – the Slip Duo Necklace. This item was inspired by customer requests for the ability to add...

Recent requests from customers for jewellery to be made e for their daughters, to celebrate communions, confirmations, and birthdays, has influenced the creation of the new Mini-Me Slip Collection. 

The pieces from this collection can be paired up so that you each get to wear your matching Mini-Me.

Rose gold jewellery is a modern option with a vintage feel. The pink tint of the metal is flattering to wear as it brings out the subtle blush tones of one’s skin. Carl Fabergé, the renowned jeweller best known for the famous Fabergé Eggs, was one of the first to put this precious metal to use in his ornate creations. As this mix of alloys became popular among jewellers around the world, specifically Cartier, it was later renamed 'Rose Gold'.

He bought her flowers for Valentine's Day. He wrote in the card, 'I like you'...

A year later they were dating. He bought her flowers for Valentine’s Day. He wrote in the card, ‘I still like you’...

Gold is a valuable metal which is why it holds generational value in jewellery and is often referred to as 'heirloom' jewellery.

Solid gold jewellery is an investment that you will be able to enjoy for life, even generations, so before you make a purchase it is worthwhile to inform yourself about the different options of gold available and what official markings to look for in your investment pieces.

At By Leahy, storytelling sits at the core of everything. The brand started with a special story shared by my grandparents and each item of handmade and personalised jewellery, made and designed in Ireland, has created its own story before it exits the By Leahy bench.

This latest blog shares the story of how each of the Signature Envelope Necklaces is created using a process that dates from the 3rd millennium BC. You’ll see how a block of wax can turn into a beautiful piece of fine jewellery to last through the generations.

The Slip Collection was born out of a desire to create a broader choice of jewellery options, such as rings and earrings, that still had a close relationship to the...

To “assay” means to test a metal or ore to determine its purity and quality. That is the core function of the Dublin Assay Office, nestled away on the grounds of our iconic Dublin Castle.

There are many methods to use when making jewellery, but one of my favourite, and most intriguing processes, is Lost Wax Casting.

The more I worked on the piece, the more I realised that the little quirks that “made-by-hand” brings are actually quite charming. 

In the end, I had produced 3 different wax carvings with each one taking about 35 hours to perfect, but it was all worth it.