In marriage, bonds are created amongst family that bring community and culture together, and at times for the benefit of arts, stunning inspiration for design. When fine jewelry designer, Alexia Connellan, married Playwright and Novelist Brendan Connellan in 2013, she gained inspiration from Ireland itself. In advance of St. Patrick’s Day, and in homage to the country’s green countryside, Alexia has assembled new jewelry designs featuring green gemstones at the center.
The importance of thinking of others less well off than oneself, core to Irish culture, influences Alexia Connellan today, and she has dedicated her sourcing to support the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mined (ASM), whose communities which are mainly composed of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), like her.
Continuous education is important to Alexia Connellan in her business, and her favorite Irish phrase is “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” which means “Praise the Youth and they will flourish.” A young designer, who loves Celtic jewelry and visiting Glendalough and Doolin, Alexia continues the Irish legacy through continuous appreciation of the culture and celebrating family.
“I really admire Irish culture’s emphasis on family, community, and caring for other people’s well-being. The Irish believe that helping a fellow human is the right thing to do, and that no amount of money or privilege can make any one person worth more than another. I believe this too and it is my ambition to make the world a better place, even if it’s just for one person.”
Honoring Ireland’s connection to the color green, Alexia Connellan’s Art Deco-style Gatsby Earrings are meant to be worn five ways: as a diamond huggie, as tailored yellow circle drops, with a long diamond dangle off the circles, with a green tourmaline crystal dangle, and with either of the drops as a pendant on a chain. Connecting the Irish immigration to the American Dream, the green tourmaline also evokes “the light at the end of Daisy’s dock in the Great Gatsby: the green light of endless possibility,” says Alexia. Another nod to Irish green and new beginnings, dually inspired by John Evert Mill’s painting, Ophelia, is the Ophelia Ring. In this piece, the green of the Irish countryside meets the teal of Caribbean waters, and is reminiscent of the artist’s birth country, Jamaica, within the mesmerizing 18.66 ct. cushion cut indicolite gemstone, center to the statement piece.
Alexia Connellan says, “The very first time I saw Ireland, I was shocked at how beautiful it was – and, yes, how green! There are shades of green in Ireland that I have not seen anywhere else in the world. From the seafoam green water of Donegal to the moss green grass of The Burren, Ireland’s otherworldly beauty is inspiring. I trust that all Irish eyes will be smiling and joyful when glimpsing the velvety green of the Gatsby pendant and the energetic teal of the Ophelia ring. I hope these jewels remind all those who look upon them to appreciate the beauty of Ireland in all its majesty.”
Energized by the positivity and beauty of Ireland, Alexia has developed new fine jewelry pieces, in homage to her family’s Irish roots. To learn more about Alexia Connellan, or to inquire about sales, visit alexiaconnellan.com, or email boutique@alexiaconnellan.com.
