2019101801在线转化不了Weirs Low Res

MAGAZINE

Breguet La Marine
Chronograph 5527





DIVER 300M

MASTER CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED
Behind the elegance of every

Master Chronometer timepiece is the
highest level of testing: 8 tests over
10 days, to ensure superior precision

and anti-magnetic resistance.

THE ART OF FUSION

Big Bang Unico.
Case in 18K King Gold invented and developed by Hublot
with a ceramic bezel. In-house chronograph UNICO movement.
Interchangeable strap using patented One-Click system.

hublot.com





HAPPY HEARTS COLLECTION

WELCOME

ASour 150th anniversary year ANDREW KILPATRICK
draws to a close, for this,
the second and last of our have the definitive buying guide on page 61 highlights on pages 22 and 24, and also in our
commemorative issues, we are in full written especially for us by QP editor James Pop Art shoot on page 66, which celebrates
celebratory mode. To honour it, we have Buttery, a must-read for anyone thinking of some of the modern classics. Elsewhere, on
a commemorative cover illustration by making a purchase. page 87, we have our pick of the best new
renowned Irish artist Dermot Flynn, evoking keepsakes and gifting options in our Leather
many of the festive moments our landmark One of the biggest jewellery purchases Department.
store has witnessed over the decades. And for many is an engagement ring, so, on page
so, as our iconic windows on Grafton Street 45, our expert staff combine their decades of And as this is the time to eat, drink
remain among the few constants since experience to advise on picking the perfect and be merry, we talk to some of the
shoppers first flocked to this bustling street ring, from every type of stone and shape to all city’s most colourful culinary characters
in the 19th century, they have now been the services the store provides, plus the best about their watch loves on page 75. We really
lovingly rendered for this collectible cover. pieces to buy now. Meanwhile, on page 55, hope you enjoy this second commemorative
we look back on the legendary man behind issue; it is our pleasure to continue to bring
One of the historic moments the store has the world famous Mikimoto jewellery house, you lovingly made watches, jewellery and
borne witness to was a visit in 1920 by Irish charting his journey from creation of the first gifts 150 years since we were first established.
politician and revolutionary Michael Collins. cultured pearl to truly groundbreaking designs. We would like to thank all our staff and our
On page 32, we recall the remarkable story You will never look upon these treasures of the customers for their continued support, and
of a purchase he made here, which in itself sea in the same way again. to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a
played its part in modern Irish history. It is Happy New Year.
a story that is linked to one of the original Our festive celebration continues beyond The Weir & Sons team
cornerstones of our business and, on page our cover too. On page 34, we herald the Follow us on…
90, we continue to mark our historic birthday coming of party season with a sneak peek
with the hidden history behind our Silver at some of the best statement jewellery and @weirandsons
Department, and how its evolution has watches in store and online at weir.ie. /WeirsJewellers
reflected that of our society and its people. As this is the season for gifting, we have @WeirandSons
plenty of perfect present ideas in our shopping
On page 27, we bring things right up to
date with some modern trailblazers who are
effecting change right now, with a unique
look at this year’s Rolex Awards Laureates,
while, on page 95, we round up the local
eateries, hotels and stores that are breaking
new ground with an eco and sustainable
approach. We look at Hublot’s innovative
new limited edition Spirit of Big Bang
Yellow Sapphire watch on page 51, available
exclusively at Weir & Sons, while our news
updates, from page 15, are the first place
to find out about a host of other exclusives
arriving over the coming months.

On page 72, we celebrate Montblanc’s new
Heritage Collection, then, on page 82, we
go behind the scenes at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s
magnificent Métiers Rares Atelier, the origin
of many of the brand’s extraordinary Art of
Precision timepieces. And if you need any
help in choosing your perfect watch, we

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 9

Elegance is an attitude

Kate Winslet

Conquest Classic

Style Contents 51

Editor Jessie Collins 55
Art Director Clare Meredith
34 45 27
Sub-editor Sharon Miney
Publisher Richard Power, 15 NEWS 32 A SILVER TALE
The Content Agency Ltd The best buys and luscious finds
The extraordinary story of how a Weir &
For Weir & Sons from our Jewellery, Watch, Sons sugar bowl played its part in history.
Executive Editor Lucinda Andrews
Contributing Editor Lisa Freeman Fashion and Silver departments. 34 TAKE ME OUT

Silver Editor David Andrews 22 RING TRUE Jewellery and watches made to live in the
Jewellery Editor Aoife Doyle limelight in our seasonal shoot.
Watch Editor Yvette Walsh The most dazzling engagement
Fashion Editor Chris Andrews rings for every taste and pocket. 45 FINDING THE ONE

Assistant Fashion Editor 24 GOLDEN HOUR Your guide to finding your perfect match
Magda Olos in engagement rings, with expert tips
Watches and jewellery in gilt and from our in-house team.
Weir & Sons would like to thank all contributors dark tones for day to night glamour.
and advertisers for their continued support.
While every effort has been made to ensure 27 BRAVE NEW WORLD
accuracy of information, Weir & Sons accepts no
responsibility for any inaccuracies that may arise. Meet the 2019 Rolex Awards Laureates who
No liability can be accepted for illustrations, are changing the world, one project at a time.
artwork or advertising material while in
transmission or with the publishers or their agents.
Weir & Sons Style Magazine is published by Weir
& Sons in association with The Content Agency
Ltd, The Park, Ballycrean, Co. Wicklow. All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
(including photocopying or storing in any medium
by electronic means) is prohibited without prior
permission of The Content Agency, please
contact [email protected].
The reproduction of colours is as accurate as the
printing process will allow. Whilst Weir & Sons
Style Magazine accepts third party advertising, it
does not endorse or take any responsibility for
products or services outside those of Weir & Sons.
Please contact the advertiser directly.
All terms are subject to availability.
Weir & Sons has made every effort to ensure that
product information and prices are correct at time
of going to press. Some of these, including price,
may change after publication.
Weir & Sons
96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
+353 (0) 1 677 9678; weir.ie
Level 1, Dundrum Town Centre,
Dundrum, Dublin 16, Ireland
+353 (0) 1 215 7845; weir.ie
[email protected]

@WeirandSons
/WeirsJewellers
@weirandsons

Cover illustration by Dermot Flynn
dermotflynn.com

55

51 BLOND AMBITION 75

Hublot’s latest Big Bang Sapphire watch
is as daring on the outside as it is in its
technological firsts.

55 PEARLS OF WISDOM

The amazing story of Kokichi Mikimoto
and the creation of the first cultured pearls
and jewellery empire.

61 CRACKING TIME

QP editor James Buttery’s essential
guide to buying a watch.

66 SMASH HITS

Meet the modern pieces destined to
be forever classics.

72 LASTING LEGACY

Montblanc’s Heritage Collection mixes
modern precision with classic styling.

95 75 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL 66

Some of Dublin’s top chefs and foodies
reveal their go-to timepieces.

82 ART HOUSE

A journey inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s
magnificent Métiers Rares Atelier.

87 HIDE & SEEK

The covetable new collections from
Weir & Sons’ leather department.

90 LUSTRE FOR LIFE

Weir & Sons’ history as seen through
its formative Silver Department.

95 GREEN LIGHT

Our guide to the best eco shopping
and eating spots in the city.

MONACO CALIBRE 11 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
Steve McQueen’s legacy is timeless. More than an actor, more than a pilot,
he became a legend. Like TAG Heuer, he defined himself beyond standards
and never cracked under pressure.

MASTER OF MATERIALS

RADO CAPTAIN COOK
INSPIRED BY OUR VINTAGE ORIGINAL. SERIOUSLY IRRESISTIBLE.

NEWS

Dive Time

A limited edition exclusive available reserve indicator, it is water resistant with a sleek, black polyurethane strap
in Ireland only at Weir & Sons, the to 200 metres. The watch sports an and black dial. Restricted to just
Citizen Promaster Aqualand 30th ultra tactile, one way rotating bezel 6,000 pieces worldwide and only two
Anniversary Limited Edition (€745) and has an anti-magnetic, anti-shock pieces in Ireland, it also comes with a
comes packed full of technological case construction, a screw back case custom Promaster 30th Anniversary
innovations and groundbreaking and screw down crown as well as a caseback. But its smart credentials
features that are the hallmark of depth display to 70 metres. The diver go beyond just its looks. Containing
the original, with an updated and friendly strap extension, meanwhile, the J250 calibre with Citizen’s famed
upgraded set of additions. Still an ISO means it can fit snugly over your Eco-Drive technology, the Promaster
compliant dive watch with a host of wetsuit with ease. Aqualand 30th Anniversary Limited
great attributes, including a maximum Edition can be powered by any light,
depth memory to record your For this anniversary model, Citizen so you’ll never need to worry about
deepest dive, a rapid ascent alarm, has given the original a makeover upgrading or replacing the battery.
an autostart dive mode plus a power too, with a pink gold and black ion A dive watch worthy of a celebration.
plated case and buttons complete

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 15

NEWS

SIZING UP

Daniel Wellington’s Petite Mesh has been
a perennial favourite since its launch,
and the brand has just added a new
larger size to complement the original.
The new Petite Mesh 36mm (€169)
features the same minimalist dial in either
black or white, with a mesh strap available in
a Melrose rose gold shade, Sterling silver chrome
style or Ashfield black.

GOLD STAR CASTING A SPELL

An exciting new brand from Weir #MAGICbyTS is the new collaboration between
& Sons, N9NE is located on the jewellery house Thomas Sabo and singer Rita Ora.
Fashion Floor of the store and The collection features a host of motifs in a wide
features gold pieces in a mix of range of styles including pendants, rings, bracelets
styles, each designed with a delicate and earrings. With themes like Magic Stones,
aesthetic. Perfect for layering Magic Stars and Magic Cat, there is an emphasis on
or wearing as subtle, standalone statement pieces like this Coloured Gemstone Cross
pieces, all are crafted in 9k gold. Pendant (€498). The collection was designed, says
The N9NE range encompasses a Ora, “to convey the special power of jewellery and
variety of forms from necklaces to women to personal looks full of vitality”.
bracelets and earrings, including
these gold star earrings (€135) ART SCHOOL
and matching necklace (€180).
Each piece is specially made to feel Montblanc’s new PIX white ballpoint pen (€240) is
luxurious yet understated and the inspired by the groundbreaking German Bauhaus
range also includes the must have architecture movement, which celebrated its centenary
Huggie earrings. this year. Incorporating some of the movement’s
iconic aesthetic, from its minimal lines to its love of
RISE AND SHINE white, it is named after Montblanc’s historical PIX
trademark. Coming with a white precious resin cap
Continuing to reference the beauty and barrel, its sleek looks are complemented with gold
of nature, watch and jewellery brand coated detailing.
Olivia Burton has taken its signature
3D bee motif and elevated it further, WEIR.IE
with the addition of glitter dials in
a range of hues and styles to give
it an extra luxe, celebratory feel
for the season. Available in black,
silver, gold and this pale rose gold
(€215, pictured), the radiant
34mm face gleams in the light and
is perfect for adding another layer
of glamour to your party look.

16 WEIR & SONS



NEWS

SECRET SERVICE LOVE ACTUALLY

World famous for its iconic, celebratory gifts, Marking 25 years since its release in
Fabergé now offers a private commission 1994, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’
service, giving customers the chance to create by Mariah Carey remains one of the
one of a kind pieces incorporating their own most iconic festive songs of modern
unique designs. Perfect for commemorating times, charting every year since its first
special occasions or anniversaries, customers release. To celebrate the anniversary,
can participate in every step of the process, Swarovski has teamed up with Carey to
including private consultations with the create a luxury star shaped ornament
dedicated design team in order to realise their made with a blue Aurora Borealis effect
personal vision. With little or no restriction in that catches the light and changes
terms of the style of piece or image created, colour as it turns. The 25th Anniversary
many employ Fabergé’s renowned enamel Holiday Ornament by Mariah Carey
techniques and coloured gemstones to create (€69) comes complete with a red satin
something totally bespoke and original. For ribbon featuring the famous song title
more information, please enquire in store. along with Mariah Carey branding.

DREAM TEAM

Created by American designer Jacqueline Rabun, Mercy is a new collection of sterling
silver jewellery from Georg Jensen. It is the result of a collaboration that goes back over

a decade, when Rabun originally presented three designs to the Danish brand in
2003. However, other projects prevented them from completing the collection
at the time and the three designs went in under Rabun’s own brand. Now the
Mercy collection has been reimagined with Georg Jensen, adding 12 new designs
to the original line. Merging Georg Jensen’s organic, Scandinavian aesthetic with
Rabun’s unique forms, the two have created a timeless set of collectibles. Pictured
left is the Mercy large pendant in sterling silver (€265).

DRINK IT PINK THE LOOK
OF LOVE
The K Club’s superlative resident
sommelier Lisa O’Doherty has When, as the
created an original in-house gin that story goes, an Irish
is brimming with botanicals grown sailor first crafted
on the resort’s very own grounds. the Claddagh ring
The K Gin’s distinctive ingredient for his sweetheart,
is its Straffan red rhubarb, which is legend has it he christened
mixed with juniper, hibiscus, pink it by saying: “With these
peppercorns, cardamom, lemon, hands, I give you my heart and I
lime and orange peel to create a crown it with my love.” Centuries on, the
balance of sweetness and spice, Claddagh ring still symbolises love and devotion,
all distilled into a pretty pink hue. with the newest versions coming in ever more
With it comes a signature cocktail, precious metals and set stones. This 14k white
the Straffan Rhubarb Sour, which gold heart ring (€2,160) by Solvar features a
includes The K Gin, fresh lemon diamond heart with diamond surround and,
juice, rhubarb syrup and egg white, having been Irish hallmarked in Dublin Castle,
served chilled in an Old Fashioned makes the perfect keepsake gift.
glass garnished with maraschino
cocktail cherries. kclub.ie WEIR.IE

18 WEIR & SONS





NEWS

TIME SAVER

Oris has just released its Ocean Trilogy
(€8,575), a limited edition of 200 sets of
three Aquis diver watches, all stunningly
presented in a box made from recycled PET
plastic. The set contains the Oris Blue Whale
Limited Edition watch, available exclusively as
part of the beautifully packaged set, as well as
the Oris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition

III and the Oris Clean Ocean Limited
Edition. The Oris Blue Whale Limited
Edition is a chronograph inspired
by the blue whale and continues
the brand’s commitment to
saving and protecting the oceans.
The timepiece, with its aqua blue
ceramic bezel and graduated aqua
blue dial, carries an embossed blue

whale and limited edition number on the
case. It is the first chronograph in the Aquis
range with a 3/6/9 configuration, is water
resistant to 500 metres and comes with a
large 45.5mm steel case.

PEAK PERFORMERS HOLD ME NOW

Garmin’s collection of luxury tool watches is now available Gucci’s new Grip collection comprises
at Weir & Sons and comes bearing all the innovative four new quartz timepieces, each
qualities of this groundbreaking brand. The MARQ with a rounded square case with three
collection features five outstanding timepieces, each windows displaying three white rotating
with its own distinctive character and hardware. discs to indicate the hour, minute
The Captain (€1,896) comes with a regatta timer and date. Christened the Grip due
enhanced with GPS technology, a Tack Assist and to its snug fit around the wrist, the
a ‘man overboard’ button in a navy ceramic bezel One edition features both a yellow
and jacquard weave strap. The Aviator (€1,999) gold PVD case and yellow gold PVD
meanwhile features NEXRAD weather radar bracelet, each engraved with Gucci’s
with Garmin avionics, a mirror polished 24 signature interlocking G logo, with an
hour GMT bezel and two additional timezones. option of a steel model for a sleeker
The Athlete (€1,538) packs its own punch with look. The remaining two styles come
VO2 max scales on the bezel, integrated maps, with coloured calf leather straps in the
advanced running dynamics, as well as built-in form of a green shade with a steel case
biometrics. The Driver (€2,563) features 250 or bordeaux (€1,600, pictured) with a
preloaded global racetracks, a tachymeter bezel, Auto yellow gold PVD case.
Lap splits and live delta time. And finally, the Adventurer
(€1,794, pictured) has topographic maps and real time
ascent data, a Pulse Ox sensor to monitor your blood oxygen
saturation levels and built-in ABC navigation sensors.

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 21

KFEOEPRS 4 1

From three stone 6 23
beauties to oval marvels
and solitaires, we have 5
your perfect match in
engagement rings. 7

1 18k white gold three stone diamond ring, €16,740 8 WEIR.IE PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR HART ART DIRECTION & STYLING ELEANOR HARPUR
2 Platinum diamond oval ring, €36,565 3 Platinum four stone
diamond ring, €10,620 4 Platinum three stone diamond ring,
€30,600 5 Platinum diamond solitaire ring, €12,040
6 Platinum and oval cut diamond ring, €3,575 7 Platinum
marquise diamond ring, €5,899 8 Platinum marquise
diamond ring, €14,940, all Weir Collection

22 WEIR & SONS



1 2

GTRIILPT 3 4

Mix your metals in dark 5
and gold tones for extra
day to night glamour 67
8
1 18k gold diamond hoop earrings, €4,830, PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR HART ART DIRECTION & STYLING ELEANOR HARPUR
Weir Collection 2 Happy Hearts bangle, €2,695, 10 11 9
Chopard 3 9k gold oval onyx signet ring, €800,
Weir Collection 4 18k red gold black stone ring, WEIR.IE
€499, Weir Collection 5 Centrix watch, €1,820,
Rado 6 Marine Chronograph watch, €31,300,
Breguet 7 9k gold black onyx cufflinks, €915,
Weir Collection 8 18k gold B.zero1 ring, €4,710,
Bvlgari 9 18k rose gold and diamond ring, €2,650,
Weir Collection 10 Seamaster Planet Ocean
watch, €14,250, Omega 11 Maestro The Beatles
Sgt Pepper’s Limited Edition watch, €1,450,
Raymond Weil

24 WEIR & SONS



PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION

João Campos Silva, near TCHHAE NGGAEMRES
Carauarí in the Amazon
WEIR.IE Where innovation meets hope and optimism,
magic happens. Nathalie Marquez Courtney
delves into the amazing stories behind the 2019
Laureates of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

Wanted, the ad read. Five enterprising people to
undertake challenging project.
When Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf – AKA ‘the
man behind the crown’ – first launched the iconic Rolex Oyster,
the world’s first water resistant wristwatch, he was following
a hunch. The year was 1926 and, though pocket watches had
been the status quo when Wilsdorf first founded the company,
he strongly felt that a new, more adventurous era was on the
horizon. Thus he was keen to create timepieces to match
– timepieces for explorers, risk takers, innovators. Just a year
later, a young swimmer named Mercedes Gleitze became the
first British woman to swim the English Channel, and she did
so wearing her Rolex Oyster.

Fifty years on, with its status as a watch for pioneers and
trailblazers firmly established, Rolex celebrated the Oyster’s
anniversary by launching the Awards for Enterprise in 1976.
The above call for entries was seeking out “enterprising people”
working on “original and imaginative projects involving
exploration and discovery”. It’s safe to say that the awards,
currently in their 43rd year, are still doing just that.

It is hard to imagine that Hans Wilsdorf, lover of all things
innovative and forward thinking, wouldn’t be impressed with
this year’s crop of winners. They are tackling some of the biggest
challenges of our generation – including animal extinction,
plastic pollution and disease diagnosis – and are doing so with
boundless energy, passion and enthusiasm.

The beauty of the awards is that they are not merely a pat on
the back for a job well done; they are a way of propelling these
projects forward, offering financial support and phenomenal
exposure. “These are not achievement awards,” said Rebecca
Irvin, director of philanthropy for Rolex, at the ceremony earlier
this year – which, fittingly, closed out the National Geographic
Explorers Festival. “They are awards for people who are on the
verge of doing something really important.”

WEIR & SONS 27

“This year’s winners are tackling
some of the biggest challenges
of our generation”

AMAZING WORK IN THE AMAZON: JOÃO CAMPOS SILVA
The Amazon is a beautifully complex measures have also brought back
system, one that relies on every other threatened species, including
piece of the puzzle to run effectively. manatees, giant otters and giant
Which is why the work that Brazilian turtles, and helped support local
conservationist João Campos Silva communities. Yields have gone up,
is doing is of such vital importance. resulting in extra income, which
João is on a mission to save the in turn has provided healthcare,
giant arapaima. It’s the largest scaled schools and jobs.
freshwater fish in the world, weighing Using tagging and radio
up to 200kg, and it’s headed for tracking, João hopes to study
extinction – which would have the arapaima’s movements across
devastating repercussions for the rural the landscape, training locals
communities in Amazonia, who rely on to efficiently manage their fish
it both as a food source and for trade. population numbers, and create
The project started by closing small, supports so that women can earn a ONE STEP AT A TIME:
river-connected lakes to fishing, and living from professional fishing and GRÉGOIRE COURTINE
this, combined with careful fisheries fisheries management. “I believe that It sounds like the stuff of science
management by local people, has community based management of fiction: an electronic brain implant
resulted in a whopping 30-fold recovery arapaima is the most powerful tool that that helps paralysed people to walk
in arapaima numbers. And, of course, we have to ensure a sustainable future again. But French scientist Grégoire
there’s the beautiful ripple effect: these for the Amazon floodplains.” Courtine is working on just that. He
has developed an electronic ‘bridge’ that
Rolex awards ceremony, Smithsonian American Above right:
Art Museum, Washington DC, 14 June 2019 Grégoire Courtine is implanted between a patient’s brain and
Above: A selection their lumbar spinal cord. The system, which
of Rolex Oyster is also supported by wireless technology, links
models from top: Lady brain signals with electronic stimulation of
DateJust, €16,100; the lower spinal cord. Using this innovative
40mm Milgauss, tech, Grégoire and his team recently helped
€7,700; Explorer
39mm, €6,150, seven longterm paraplegic men to stand
and walk short distances on crutches.
all Weir & Sons Even more incredible is that the bridge
will actually encourage regrowth of the
spinal nerve, with an aim to restoring
permanent control over paralysed leg muscles
when used alongside rehabilitation therapy,
eventually doing away with the need for an
implant altogether.
Grégoire’s clinical trials are not just helping
the patients taking part in them either – his
work is making huge strides to create a
framework for neuroprosthetic technology,
and to shape and define how this cutting edge,
revolutionary tech evolves, with the ultimate
aim of creating a range of life changing
treatments for people whose legs have been
paralysed by spinal injury.

28 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE



RAPID DISEASE DETECTION: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: Attitudes and awareness are crucial, says
BRIAN GITTA KRITHI KARANTH Krithi, so she has also set up Wild Shaaele, a
“I can’t actually count how many times I’ve As the daughter of a tiger biologist and conservation programme aimed at 300 schools
suffered from malaria since I was a kid,” says conservationist, Krithi Karanth grew up with in high-conflict areas, and she hopes the two
Ugandan IT specialist Brian Gitta. Brian is a love for India’s wild natural wonders, helping programmes combined are the beginning of a
from one of five countries that account for her father track tigers and leopards from a new worldwide model for conservation. “I’m
nearly half of all malaria cases worldwide, so young age. But she soon discovered that not always an optimist and never give up,” she says.
it’s no surprise that it’s an issue close to his everyone had such a good relationship with “A lot of species are in trouble, but we have
heart. Around 220 million people worldwide wildlife. Every year in India, there are hundreds technology and more public support for wildlife
will suffer from malaria this year. The disease of thousands of clashes between communities conservation. We have resources that the world
kills almost half a million people a year, mostly and the surrounding fauna. The densely didn’t have 10 years or 20 years ago. We just
small children living in Sub-Saharan Africa. populated country reserves only five per cent need to be smart about deploying them in time.”
Speedy diagnosis is key to fighting the scourge, of its terrain for nature – despite having
but that’s not always possible, as current tests 70 per cent of the world’s tigers and 50 per TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE:
require a blood sample and a microscope as cent of its Asian elephants. When property MIRANDA WANG
well as a highly trained analyst. Tests can also is damaged, crops are destroyed or livestock It’s safe to say that awareness around
take up to 30 minutes or longer, or may need is injured or killed, communities can plastics and the importance of recycling has
to be sent to distant towns for analysis, severely retaliate, often killing wild animals. Though skyrocketed, but still less than a tenth of
limiting the number of people who can be compensation from the Indian government is the world’s used plastic is recycled. Much of
diagnosed in a given day. available, making a claim can be an arduous what we use ends up in landfills or worse:
process, so it is estimated that thousands of clogging up rivers and oceans, and polluting
Brian’s technology, dubbed the ‘Matiscope’, people don’t, further increasing animosity. our soil and atmosphere. Entrepreneur and
hopes to change that. It’s a portable electronic molecular biologist Miranda Wang is on a
device that uses light and magnets to detect Through her Wild Seve project, Krithi is mission to quite literally turn the dirtiest, most
the presence of the malaria parasite, and can focused on educating people and improving difficult waste into treasure. Her company
give a reliable reading in less than two minutes. attitudes and awareness, helping communities has developed innovative technology that can
Innovative technology like this can sometimes understand that wild animals are not well transform previously unrecyclable plastics into
have a touch and go success rate, but the attuned to human made boundaries. There’s renewable, high value industrial chemicals that
Matiscope is already at 80 per cent diagnostic a free number that people can call for help are incredibly useful in manufacturing.
accuracy, and improving. This is all without the in filing compensation claims (which Krithi
need to even draw blood – which is one of the says increases trust and reduces hostility), and This is a game changer in so many ways:
biggest game changers – as it means the device she’s planning on experimenting with other Miranda’s process is not only cheaper than
could potentially be used without the need pragmatic, practical solutions in high-conflict the current methods (which would see the
for a specialist, making it easier to detect the zones, such as predator-proof sheds and fences same substances extracted from petroleum)
disease quickly in remote, rural communities. that can help minimise crop damage and keep but equates to an astounding 40-fold increase
“Malaria is a curable disease, if you know you people and livestock safer. in the value of plastic waste – which will go a
have it. Rapid diagnosis empowers the patient long way to incentivising businesses to work
to take quick action that may save their life and towards a more sustainable waste management
other lives,” says Brian. model. “We specifically focus on these problem
plastics that nobody else wants to touch,” says
Miranda. By doing this, she is creating a vital
missing link in efforts to truly turn plastic
production into a circular economy.
rolex.org

30 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE

NIVACHRON™ – ANTI-MAGNETIC

COUNT ON ME

The Wedding Party
Back row, from left: Julia O’Donovan,
Michael Collins, Gearoid O’Sullivan,
Mrs O’Keeffe, Sean Hyde, Dennis
Lynch, Alice Lynch, Jim Murray.
Middle row, from left: Fr Bonaventure,
Sheila O’Donovan, newlyweds Lill

Clancy and Michael O’Brien, Mick
Lynch, Joe Clancy, Pat Barry. Front
row, from left: Teddy, Quinn, Eileen
O’Donovan, Sean O’Donovan, Una
O’Donovan, Tadhg O’Donovan
Right: Michael Collins

THE GENERAL

& the sugar bowl

Every piece that Weir & Sons produces tells a story. Some
pieces even find themselves at the heart of crucial moments
in history. The story of Michael Collins and the wedding
chalice is just one of those moments, writes Jessie Collins.

Dublin, 22 November 1920. It was perhaps like A replica of the Ardagh
any other Monday in the city at that time, Chalice bearing the
except that it wasn’t. The 22nd of November Weir & Sons ‘TW’
was the day after what would become known as the hallmark, given to
infamous Bloody Sunday killings, when 32 people
died, including 13 British soldiers and police, 16 Irish Michael O’Brien as a
civilians and three Irish republican prisoners, in the wedding present by
ongoing struggle for Irish independence. Michael Collins.
Events of the day were set in motion when an Photograph:
Irish Republican Army operation, organised by the Gary Belcher
then head of IRA intelligence, Michael Collins,
set about assassinating the so-called ‘Cairo Gang’,
a team of undercover British intelligence agents
working and living in Dublin. In retaliation, British
forces opened fire on the 5,000-strong crowd
at a Gaelic football match between Dublin and
Tipperary in Croke Park, killing 14 and wounding
at least 60 others. Three Irish republican suspects
being held in Dublin Castle were beaten and killed.

32 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE

WEIR.IE “Collins carried a
solid silver sugar
bowl, handmade
by silversmiths in
Weir & Sons,
purchased just days
before Bloody Sunday”

That night Michael Collins stayed in the Royal
Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire along with his
fiancée, Kitty Kiernan (according to hotel records
they stayed in separate rooms), using the spot as
a place to lie low as tempers boiled over. The next
morning he took a train and then a carriage to
Terenure, to attend his friend Michael O’Brien’s
wedding. O’Brien was also a covert member
of the IRA intelligence staff at the time. With
him, Collins carried a solid silver sugar bowl
in the form of a replica of the famous Ardagh
Chalice, hand decorated with Celtic weaving and
triskelion motifs, as a gift for the newlyweds. The
bowl had been handmade by the silversmiths in
Weir & Sons, where Collins had purchased it just
days before. But despite the inauspicious times, it
turned out to be a blessed gift.

The chalice was passed from Michael and his
wife Lill to their children, and then on to their
grandchildren. It now resides with Michael’s
granddaughter Emer O’Dwyer in her home
in Dublin. “We call it the sugar bowl as that’s
what it has always been used for,” explains
Emer. “We always knew of the story of it being
given to my grandparents for their wedding by
Michael Collins, but we didn’t know where it
came from otherwise.” A cousin took images of
the markings and through some investigation
realised that they were the hallmarks of Weir &
Sons. “It is wonderful to complete the story,” says
Emer. “We are really proud of its origins, and
it’s always meant a lot to our family. It, and its
history, is something we will pass on through the
generations.”

Weir & Sons Silver Department stocks a wide
range of Irish silver and giftware. The company also
provides a full engraving, polishing and repair service.

WEIR & SONS 33

TAOKEUMT E
Embrace the darker days and longer nights with
jewellery and watches that belong in the limelight.
PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR HART, ART DIRECTION & STYLING ELEANOR HARPUR
HAND MODELS CAOIMHE O'DWYER & MAX MURPHY, WARDROBE BROWN THOMAS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 18k white gold drop diamond earrings, €3,520; 18k white WEIR.IE
gold diamond necklace, €12,059; platinum radiant cut diamond ring, €11,295; platinum diamond
ring, €67,500; platinum diamond ring, €17,300, all Weir Collection; Classima watch, €2,950,

Baume et Mercier; 18k white gold and diamond bracelet, €12,059, Weir Collection

34 WEIR & SONS

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 35

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 18k gold pearl and diamond drop earrings, €8,530, Mikimoto; 18k rose gold diamond circle pendant,
€3,890, Weir Collection; Twenty-4 18k rose gold self winding watch, €42,200, Patek Philippe; 18k gold and diamond bangle, €4,225; 18k gold
and diamond bangle, €2,530, both Roberto Coin; 18k rose gold diamond ring, €4,660; 18k white and yellow gold diamond ring, €2,965, both
Weir Collection; Ice Cube ring, €840, Chopard; Bloom ring, €15,000; 18k rose gold diamond ring, €7,620, both Weir Collection

36 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE

WEIR.IE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Platinum pear diamond
ring, €26,550; sapphire and diamond ring, €31,600,

both Weir Collection; Aquis watch, €2,150, Oris

WEIR & SONS 37

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Diamond and ruby drop earrings, €14,475; diamond and WEIR.IE
ruby ring, €17,815; diamond and ruby bracelet, €6,780; diamond and ruby bracelet, €5,985,
all Weir Collection; De Ville Trésor watch, €4,300, Omega; 18k white gold ruby and diamond
cluster ring, €97,500; 18k gold diamond and ruby ring, €13,920, both Weir Collection

38 WEIR & SONS

WEIR.IE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
18k white gold diamond
ball earrings, €8,815, Weir
Collection; Seamaster Diver
watch, €4,510, Omega; 18k
white gold Nautilus cufflinks,
€4,995, Patek Philippe;
palladium wedding band,
€1,335, Weir Collection

WEIR & SONS 39

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: WEIR & SOWNESIR4.IE0
Platinum yellow diamond ring, €9,785; 18k
white gold yellow diamond ring, €6,865;
18k white gold and yellow diamond bangle,
€13,115, all Weir Collection; Ice Cube watch,
€15,120, Chopard; yellow canary diamond
ring, €194,350; platinum yellow diamond
ring, €7,855, both Weir Collection

4W0EIWR.EIEIR & SONS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 18k rose gold wedding band, €1,095, Weir Collection; WEIR & SOWNESIR4.IE1
18k gold Calatrava cufflinks, €4,370, Patek Philippe; Day-Date watch, €54,550, Rolex

4W1EIWR.EIEIR & SONS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT:
Platinum classic wedding ring, €605;
platinum wedding ring, €1,185; silver
citrine cufflinks, €440, all Weir
Collection; Santos de Cartier watch,
€10,600, Cartier

42 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 18k gold Roman Barocco earrings, €4,825,
Roberto Coin; 18k rose gold diamond ring, €7,620, Weir Collection; Reine de
Naples watch, €34,900, Breguet; Treillage bangle, €4,125, Fabergé; 18k gold Flexˇit
bracelet, €6,030; 18k gold Flexˇit bracelet, €4,180; 18k gold Flexˇit bracelet,
€3,150, all FOPE; 18k rose gold morganite ring, €9,255; 18k rose gold pear shaped
morganite pendant, €2,820, both Weir Collection

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 43

TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR DEFY
EL PRIMERO 21

Z E N I T H - WATC H E S .C O M

THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING. FOR NOW. THE FUTURE OF SWISS WATCHMAKING SINCE 1865

SET in STONE
“WEjoke and say there is no such thing as a
When looking for the perfect diamond emergency – but some people
engagement ring, finding ‘the one’ is have been looking forward to this moment
the ultimate challenge. And once you’ve for so long!” For Andrew Meehan, it’s hard not to get swept
met your match, how do you go about up in the excitement of a proposal, even after 15 years in the
ensuring the ring is just as perfect a business. His role at Weir & Sons involves selecting the perfect
fit? Nathalie Marquez Courtney explains stone for a mount and then helping that piece find its forever
why, at Weir & Sons, help is at hand… home with the perfect couple. “I genuinely don’t think there’s
a better job,” he enthuses. “You’re with a couple celebrating
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY SAVAGE, ASSISTED BY EMMET BANAHAN probably the most momentous occasion they’ve experienced
together up to that point. It’s incredibly special to be part of
something like that and to be privy to those moments.”

WEIR.IE WEIR & SONS 45

SHE SAID YES – NOW WHAT? “We have a fully functioning workshop on The engagement team, from left: Breffni
site, so we’re very lucky that we can have items O’Connell, Eva O’Sullivan and Nina Motsonelidze
When a newly engaged couple walk through the adjusted quickly,” continues Chris. A valuation
gleaming, elegant doors of Weir & Sons, they are is provided so the couple can easily add their ring FROM STONE TO BOX
welcomed into one of four private ‘ring rooms’, to their insurance and come back an hour or two
an intimate, luxurious space complete with later to collect it. “So yes, we say there’s no such Of course, the process begins long before
wood panelled walls, expertly designed lighting thing as a diamond emergency, but I’m often the loved-up twosome arrive at the store.
and bespoke furniture. These are plush, private, going up to the workshop and asking if we can Every diamond is hand selected to ensure the
comfortable spaces within which to explore, talk get it done in a hurry,” laughs Chris. “Once the highest possible quality before it is matched
and, of course, try on rings. “We’ll have a little couple have made their selection, they just cannot to a mount and introduced to the collection.
bit of a chat to see if they have any particular wait to get the ring on their finger and that’s “We inspect the diamond before the stone is
style in mind and if they don’t, we bring down a completely understandable – we do absolutely set to make sure that there are never going
selection,” Andrew explains. “The consultation everything in our power to make it a priority and to be any concerns with the stone,” explains
could take half an hour; it could take two hours – get the ring back to them as quickly as possible.” Chris. “Almost every diamond you’ll purchase
there’s no cut-off for us whatsoever: we’ll spend as will have some sort of inclusion in the stone
long as is required for the couple.” – most inclusions need to be viewed under
x10 magnification. So it’s just about finding
Though the sparkling glass cabinets upstairs those perfect stones for the perfect price. It’s a
are heaving with different ring styles, whittling very thought out process, but it’s an incredibly
it down to ‘the one’ isn’t as daunting a process as enjoyable experience for me.”
it may first seem when you have expert help at
hand. “There are many ring styles but most fall Knowing the stock so well means that when
into four main categories,” says Chris Andrews, a couple arrive in store and start describing
Operations Director. “There’s solitaire, solitaire what they’re after, all of the Weir & Sons team
with diamond shoulders, a multi-stone ring or are well positioned to present them with some
a halo style ring. I usually try to identify which handpicked pieces. Each ring sold comes with
direction they’re leaning towards and then offer a history, and couples can be walked through
more in that particular style, and get it down to its journey, with the expertly trained team able
the final two or three.”

Picking the right ring is a fine art, and all
about finding the balance between aesthetics
and more practical considerations, as the ring
is intended to be worn for a long time. This is
where the experience and expertise of the team
really come into play. “We’ll try to identify
what the lady does day to day,” explains
Andrew. “For example, if someone uses their
hands a lot, certain styles of rings would suit
more than others.”

It’s important to think ahead: the majority of
the engagement ring collection at Weir & Sons
are Wedfit, which means the settings are
designed in such a way as to seamlessly fit
with a future wedding ring. “It’s incredibly
important to be aware of the style of the
engagement ring you’re buying, and whether it
will sit comfortably next to a wedding ring.

“The consultation could take half an
hour; it could take two hours – there’s
no cut-off for us whatsoever: we’ll spend
as long as is required for the couple”

46 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE



2 1

to provide detailed information about where evening. “It can be very difficult for couples
the ring has come from, who it’s certified by to get time together to go and do all the tasks
and what its credentials are. required ahead of their wedding, so opening
late nights and opening on a Sunday really
CHANGING TRENDS does make a difference for couples.”

In his 15 years in the business, Andrew has DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER 3
seen many trends come, go and come around Part of the fun of helping a couple find the 5
again. These days, he’s noticed an increasing perfect ring is getting to be a part of future 7
interest in yellow gold. “Platinum is still the celebrations as well. Something as simple
most popular, but yellow gold has become a and practical as a ring cleaning becomes 4
serious competitor again,” says Andrew. “For a point of true connection: Weir & Sons
a while, rose gold was a popular request but offers free steam cleaning for life with its
now people are going back to yellow gold, engagement rings, meaning there are plenty
which is incredibly warm and flattering to Irish of opportunities to see how a couple are
skin tones. getting on. “Customers like to avail of
the cleaning service and come in and just
“When it comes to ring styles, halos were very have a chat,” says Chris. “They might be
popular for about five to eight years, and now talking about the wedding and how the
we’re starting to see solitaires and traditional three planning is coming on – it’s just a really
stone rings becoming more requested.” lovely experience here. The staff are almost
like family and the customers that come in are 6
Changing times have also meant changing almost like friends.”
schedules – the Grafton Street store started
opening on Sundays for the first time this year,
and the Dundrum store is open late every

WITH THIS RING…

From picking the right token ring to caring for your stone, 8
Weir & Sons’ engagement ring experts shares their top tips. 9

BE SKIN SAVVY wiggle room down the line, as full eternity 1 Platinum 3.50ct solitaire diamond ring, €67,930
If you suffer from allergies, consider a rings can’t be resized. “It leaves you room to 2 Platinum three stone diamond ring, €13,410
platinum ring. manoeuvre, especially if you hope to pass 3 18k yellow gold ring with 0.50ct marquise diamond,
TAKE CARE WITH TOKEN RINGS the ring on to future generations.” €2,625 4 18k yellow gold, 1ct diamond solitaire,
“Always be aware of the size of stone that SHINE ON €9,750 5 Platinum diamond solitaire ring, €12,040
you’re selecting for the token ring,” advises A regular clean will keep your gems 6 1.17ct radiant cut diamond in a four claw platinum
Chris. Often someone might simply want to looking gorgeous. “Diamonds love setting with diamond set shoulders, €11,470
replicate the ring they were proposed to with. grease, so the oils in our skin, perfumes 7 1ct diamond, surrounded by halo of diamonds in
“But if it’s the region of a one, two or even and cosmetics create a film around the a diamond and gold half band, €11,500 8 Platinum
a three carat, it can be extremely expensive stone,” explains Chris. “More times than not, 0.30ct princess diamond ring, €2,625 9 Platinum
to replace that with a real diamond.” Keep a they just need a quick steam clean, and then 3.54ct diamond ring, all Weir Collection
token ring small and simple so as to not set they look like the day you purchased them.”
yourself up for stress and disappointment DIAMOND TLC
down the line. It’s important to bring your rings in for
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY regular check-ups to ensure everything is
If you’ve fallen in love with an eternity ring as it should be. “This is all part of the service
style for your engagement or wedding ring, we provide here at Weir & Sons,” says Chris.
Andrew recommends considering going for a “It’s not just about a one-off purchase, but a
half or three quarter eternity to give yourself lifelong connection to the store.”

48 WEIR & SONS WEIR.IE