Loinnir Jewellery, named after the Irish word for ‘shimmering light,’ creates modern, Irish-inspired designs handcrafted in Ireland by NCAD graduate Cara Stugress.
Featured on Ireland AM, Loinnir draws inspiration from Ireland’s rich heritage, from the mystical Giant’s Causeway to ancient artefacts like the Torc. Passionate about blending tradition with the present, we embrace sustainability with eco-friendly packaging made from recycled and FSC-certified materials. Each collection’s story card deepens the connection to Irish heritage, allowing customers to carry a piece of Ireland with them through life.
Each collection’s story card deepens the connection to Irish heritage, allowing customers to carry a piece of Ireland with them through life.
A 2024 finalist in the Irish Made Awards by Irish Country Magazine, Loinnir Jewellery celebrates Ireland’s past and present with every piece.
A typical day in the Loinnir Jewellery studio starts bright and early—thanks to our newest family member, Púca, my furry little sidekick. We’re up at the break of dawn for his first walk of the day, enjoying the crisp morning air before heading back for breakfast. Then, with a hot cup of coffee in hand, I make my way into the studio, ready to bring a bit of Ireland’s magic to life in jewellery form.
The first task of the day is checking emails—catching up on orders, customer inquiries, and any updates from suppliers. I love seeing which pieces have caught people’s eyes, whether it’s the intricate designs inspired by Irish folklore or the contemporary Celtic twists. Once admin is out of the way, I get hands-on at my workbench, whether that’s casting, polishing, or setting stones. Each piece is made with care, from sketching new designs to carefully finishing each detail.
Afternoons are often a mix of creative work and business management— working on custom orders, or planning social media content to share behind-the-scenes glimpses. There’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s testing a new concept or packaging up an order that’s about to find its new home.
Of course, Púca makes sure I take little breaks throughout the day—he has a knack for knowing when I need to step away from the bench for a bit! Then, as the evening winds down, it’s time for one last check of emails before closing up the studio, ready to do it all again the next day.
No two days are ever exactly the same, but that’s what makes it all so special!
My advice to anyone pursuing a career in jewellery making is to embrace both the artistry and the business side of the craft. Mastering essential techniques like casting, stone setting, and metalwork is crucial, but equally important is learning how to market and sell your work.
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What I love most about my work is the ability to blend Ireland’s rich history and breath-taking landscapes into contemporary jewellery designs. Every piece tells a story, inspired by ancient artefacts, iconic Irish symbols , and the natural beauty of Ireland. I take great joy in crafting pieces that not only hold personal meaning for the wearer but also celebrate Irish heritage in a modern, wearable way. Seeing people connect with my designs and knowing they carry a piece of Ireland with them is incredibly rewarding.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everything Irish, in case you haven’t figured that out—lol! Loinnir takes inspiration from Ireland’s rich heritage, from the mystical Giant’s Causeway to ancient artifacts like the Torc, passionately blending tradition with modern design.
What made you choose your discipline?
As Cara Sturgess of Loinnir Jewellery, my advice to anyone pursuing a career in jewellery making is to embrace both the artistry and the business side of the craft. Mastering essential techniques like casting, stone setting, and metalwork is crucial, but equally important is learning how to market and sell your work. Take the time to discover your unique style—whether inspired by heritage, nature, or personal stories—as authenticity will set you apart.
What made you choose your discipline?
Still, my love for fashion never faded—I just needed to find a different way to express it. That’s when I discovered jewellery and metalwork, and it was like everything clicked into place. I fell in love with the process of working with metal, shaping it into these intricate, almost sculptural pieces. Jewellery, to me, is an essential part of fashion—it’s what completes a look, adds personality, and tells a story. So in the end, it all made perfect sense. It was meant to be.
What’s the most challenging part of your craft?
As Loinnir Jewellery grows, I know I can’t do everything myself, and that’s okay. Surrounding myself with the right people and tools allows me to focus on what I love most—creating beautiful, meaningful jewellery—while ensuring the business side of things is still running smoothly. It’s all about finding balance and playing to my strengths.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member
Becoming a member of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has been an invaluable part of my journey as a jewellery designer. The support, resources, and networking opportunities they provide are second to none. Whether it’s access to training, showcasing opportunities, or simply being part of a community of like-minded creatives, DCCI offers so much to help grow and elevate your craft and business. If you’re serious about your creative practice and want to connect with others in the industry, I’d highly recommend joining.
