The art of adornment

Making a comeback in Dublin after an absence of five years is talented designer Melissa Curry, whose new jewellery collection draws from traditional Chinese lacquer jewellery (as familiar in China as the Tara brooch or Claddagh ring here), but in a modern setting. The new collection features bangles and neckpieces fashioned from cinnabar-coloured wood, each piece moulded and textured in different ways, painted black or red, and mounted on silver chains. It was inspired by Curry’s travels in China in the early 1990s, while she was training as an artist in Paris. “I added sterling silver chains, which come in different lengths, to give movement, like a pendulum or a pocket watch,” she says.

Known for audacious designs, Sligo-born Curry has over the years collaborated with Yohji Yamamoto, Philippe Starck and L’Eclaireur in Paris, among others, and was selected as “Cutting Edge” jewellery designer during Liberty’s international campaign for the London Millennium. Her new collection can be found in Havana in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, where prices start at €250 for bangles and go up to €475 for neckpieces, including the Ping cinnabar neckpiece above, which is €425.

Dublin’s Kilkenny Shop will also be stocking her jewellery. melissacurrydesign.ie.