Wish List: Eight awesome ideas for your life and your living space 

Esther McCarthy eyes sparkling and colourful buys

If you're thinking about a special gift for the mother figure in your life, you might take Tralee jeweller Heather O’Sullivan's advice. "I am a huge devotee of semi-precious jewels as they are usually vibrant and wonderfully coloured,' says Heather, whose great-grandfather, John Ross, founded the business in 1899. 

"We use our hands so much so if you have to invest in a standout piece, make it a ring. Think of beautiful cocktail rings in topaz, amethyst, morganite, aquamarine, garnet, onyx, citrine; magnificent gems that are wonderful to have and wear." Find out more at Johnrossjewellers.com.