Azure is a jewel of a business on Cork's George’s Quay

Aileen Lee meets Audrey Lehane, Jewellery Designer/owner of Azure Jewellery in Cork

Sat, 12 Aug, 2017 - 01:00

Aileen Lee

What’s your background?

I worked for Beamish and Crawford in sales for eight years and during that period I was sent to work in Paris. I took jewellery classes while there to help me with the language. I always had an interest in jewellery — myself and my sisters regularly raided Granny’s jewellery box when we were kids.

When I returned from Paris, the brewery was looking for people to take redundancy and that was a perfect opportunity to set up Azure. It started with me importing jewellery in 2004 and progressed to making and designing our own collection in Cork in 2009. I can’t believe it’s been 13 years — it has gone so quickly.

We recently moved location to 23 George’s Quay, off the South Mall. It is a beautiful, listed structure which was built in 1790. We retained and restored many of the original features such as the brick work, the shop front and sash windows. It was very important for me in the restoration work that no 23 would be a space worthy of its history and architecture. There is such a vibrant business community on George’s Quay. I’m delighted to be involved with it.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

My normal weekday starts with the school run, then some exercise, and then it is straight into the shop. Myself, Tríona (manager and jewellery-maker) and Sheena (jewellery-maker), have a quick chat about what needs to be made, and what orders need to go out. We also have a wholesale business, so getting orders out to those customers is a daily occurrence.

All emails are checked and responded to and online orders processed. I am on the road doing sales’ calls two days a week, and in the shop serving our lovely customers the rest of the time.

Tell us about a recent project or design/ favourite project or design you have worked on?

We recently worked on a Medusa-style crown in pearls for Maura Derrane to launch the cervical cancer campaign, ‘Share the Wisdom’. It was great to be involved in such a fantastic awareness campaign and to highlight this important issue.

What’s your design style?

It’s hard to put into words the Azure design style, we like to create timeless looks with a touch of elegance and class. A lot of our designs created here in our studio in Cork are bespoke, so we like to keep an open mind when designing our collections.

What/Who inspires your work?

My Gran and Mum were both very stylish women so I think my love of accessories and style originated from that.

Every day we are inspired by our customers, helping them design a bespoke piece for a special event. They normally bring the outfit they are wearing. We look at the fabric on the outfit, the colour and cut and we go from there.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

I don’t really follow trends; however, we are always looking at what the customer wants and therefore will bring out smaller collections seasonally to facilitate the demands of our clients. I always watch the forthcoming season’s colours to ensure the jewellery we are designing will match the on-trend styles available.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I own a beautiful brooch my mum left me. It’s my most treasured possession. I don’t even wear it I’m so afraid of losing it.

Who would be your favourite designer, or style inspiration?

I always love looking at the Chanel pearl collection and their beautiful brooches, they are amazing.

What would be a dream project for you to work on?

I wouldn’t mind getting into the costume department of Game of Thrones. I would love to get an opportunity to make some creative jewellery for that.

Have you any design tips for us?

If any of you have broken jewellery belonging to granny at home, or old jewellery that you don’t like the look of any more, bring it into us. We can fix most things or recondition pieces to bring them back to life.