The Act of Giving this Christmas

We all know Christmas is a time for giving, but how much thought do you actually put into the gifts you buy? It’s so easy to leave shopping to the last minute and end up choosing something that either cost the earth (literally and metaphorically) or are meaningless, defeating the object of giving altogether.

If there is one thing that goes into Martina Hamilton’s jewellery, it’s thought. Every collection has been inspired by either a place, a moment, a poem, or a memory. Martina believes that every piece of jewellery bought from her shop or website, should have meaning, meaning to the person giving it and meaning to the person receiving it. It’s the meaning behind a gift that evokes the emotion.

Here we highlight a few examples from her current collections

The new additions to the Nebula collection are based on circles. Silver or gold circles entwined with a delicate vine to represent the love and friendships that wrap themselves around us, bringing meaning to our lives.

Solid Gold pendant by Martina Hamilton Nebula Collection Handmade Designer Irish Jewellery Circle of Gold on Solid Gold Chain — Nebula pendant in 9-carat gold

Reflections pendant and earrings in 9-carat gold

Reflections is a new collection inspired by a shimmer of sunlight reflected in a dark rockpool. The collection beautifully encapsulates the fleeting moments of reflection to the eye, that are so calming to the heart and mind. The wonderfully tactile surface achieved through careful hammering of the silver or gold, gives the piece a weathered look as if it’s been pummelled by the sea. Reflections is the perfect gift for anyone that needs reminding to stop occasionally and reflect on the constant yet ever-changing beauty of light on water.

The Croi Sliogan collection, was inspired by a shell found on a beach in Sligo (Sligo meaning Shelly Place). The heart shape revealed within the shell, compelled Martina to capture it in silver and gold. To give a Croi Sliogan pendant or earrings to someone, is also giving a piece of your heart.

Bean Ri pendant and earrings in 9-carat gold

Bean Ri, or She King, is a classic design that skilfully combines features of an ancient spear with a flame, representing strength and femininity, an elegant gift for ambitious, courageous or adventurous women.

And finally, our Heaven collection inspired by the well-known poem by WB Yeats often abbreviated “The cloths of Heaven. In the poem Yeats places romantic dreams and ambitions over material riches. However, sometimes, dreams and ambitions are not quite enough! So, a little piece from our Heaven collection in silver or gold acts as a simple message of adoration, acceptance, loyalty or simply just because it’s Christmas and a time to make someone feel special.

When you buy a piece of jewelry by Martina Hamilton it comes beautifully boxed with a card that explains the inspiration or meaning behind the design.

You can listen to Martina talk about the resonance and meaning behind her jewelry in a recent interview.

On Saturday 26 November we are hosting ‘Purple Saturday’ in store at The Cat & the Moon, 4 Castle Street, Sligo, between 12-4pm. There will be give-aways, and spot prizes to be won. Guest Leonie Cornelius will interview Sligo author Florence Gillan with reading from her debut novel Let them Lie, plus sweet treats and light refreshments.

We hope you can join us to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

Malcolm Hamilton20 November 2022Martina Hamilton Jewellery Design Comment