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Mother's Day 2019

There is never a bad day to celebrate your mother, if you're one of the lucky ones to still have her around - whether that's with flowers, a big smile or a cup of tea she didn't ask for. But Mother's Day, March 31st, just makes it all that little bit more official: one day, each spring, where you get to show your mum (or mam, or mammy) exactly how much she means to you. With that in mind, we've compiled a selection of gifts anyone's mother would love, whatever her age, taste or style.

This super delicate and beautiful 9ct gold and cubic zirconia necklace is one of our bestsellers - and would make a stunning gift for someone to keep, and wear, forever. Its delicate 9ct gold chain holds two stunning cubic zirconia flower clusters, for a unique design. It's just one of our dozens of Mother's Day gift ideas, with an array of gifts for your mum or partner from just €29.50.

You won't go far wrong with a piece of jewellery and we have a whole host of options, whether she wears yellow or white gold, rose gold or sterling silver. Go for broke by mixing metals, in something like our Three-Colour Gold Cubic Zirconia Pendant, which will mix and match with any other jewellery she already owns. For someone who wants something with a little more bling, this 9ct Yellow Gold and Glitter Interlocking Necklace is what we think of as a subtle showstopper: it's got the 'wow' factor but it's not over the top.

If you want to err on the safer side and opt for a truly classic design, you won't go wrong with a pair of stud earrings. From our Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Claw Studs (€32.50) to our Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Halo Studs (€39.50) all the way up to our 9ct White Gold Halo Stud Earrings (€145), we have options to suit every style and budget.

Remember: while it's lovely to receive gifts, at any time of year, Mother's Day isn't about how much you can spend. The greatest gift, after all, is time - this Mother's Day, why not give some to your mum, whether that's taking her to a movie, cooking her a meal or bringing her breakfast in bed (although you'll get more brownie points for that if you do it when she's not expecting it!).

Shop our Mother's Day selection now in Fields the Jeweller stores and online.

Our Engagement Story - Aisling and Ronan

“It was really like a love-at-first-sight scenario.”

Aisling and Ronan’s love story got off to a fitful start, with the couple going on their very first date nine years ago. “We briefly went on a couple of dates,” Aisling recalls, “but we went out separate ways. We were both very young.” All was not lost, though, as the pair kept in touch over the years, “just as friends”, until, in December 2014, “after a few months of texting, we met on New Year’s Eve – and we’ve been inseparable ever since!” Aisling says it wasn’t long before she knew Ronan was The One. “I know it sounds clichéd, but it really was like a love-at-first-sight scenario,” she says. “Yes, we had dated briefly before – but this time, after only a week of dating, I was madly in love. I knew he was the one.”

“I had no idea at all it was coming.”

It was Valentine’s Day of that year before Ronan asked Aisling to make it official – and then a mere two years later, “on the sunny island of Gran Canaria”, Ronan got down on one knee and asked Aisling to be his wife. “Of course I said yes! It was the happiest day of my life,” Aisling reminisces. “I had no idea at all that it was coming. We were both in tears – it was so romantic.” Ronan proposed to Aisling with a promise ring. “He knew I’d want to pick out my own when we got home,” Aisling explains, but it turns out that Ronan wasn’t far off the mark with the promise ring he picked, “a beautiful halo style ring with a diamond band.” In the end, the ring Aisling picked out is “nearly identical”. The couple chose their engagement ring in Fields the Jeweller in Drogheda. “The girls in the shop couldn’t have been nicer helping me pick the perfect ring – a beautiful round centre diamond surrounded by a diamond halo and five claw-set diamonds on the shoulders. It really has the wow factor.” Aisling says she’d definitely recommend selecting the ring together. “It was so exciting going together to pick it out together. It’s such an important piece of jewellery and it’s great to get exactly what you want.” As for wedding rings, both Aisling and Ronan opted for diamond-set bands. “Mine matches my engagement ring – I hope to get a second to sit on the other side after the wedding,” says Aisling.

“It's the most exciting time of your life.”

Aisling says she loved the engagement period: “It’s the most exciting time of your life!” The pair have been engaged for two years now, and their “fairytale wedding” will take place in August of this year, in Cabra Castle, in Co Cavan. “We booked it about a month after our engagement,” Aisling confides. “Time has just flown by! I would definitely recommend taking a year or two to plan and enjoy it all. We’re on a high now, counting down the days until we say ‘I do’.”

All pictures courtesy of Aisling O'Reilly ¦ Instagram. Shop engagement rings from Fields the Jeweller online or in any of our 14 Republic of Ireland showrooms.

Modern Celtic and Claddagh Styles

As a wholly Irish-owned jewellers since we first began over forty years ago; Fields the Jeweller is proud to stock an attractive array of both Celtic and Claddagh jewellery. While this stunning selection includes traditional stylings, we are conscious too to offer some modern and contemporary designs that sophisticated ladies and dapper gentlemen alike can appreciate.

Pictured above is a marvellous matching earring and necklet set from Solvar (these pieces are available to purchase separately). Crafted from serene sterling silver, they present the classic Celtic trinity knot motif as can be seen filling up the design. Both the drop earrings and the necklet take on a terrific twisted aesthetic which works to add a more contemporary and eye-catching dimension to proceedings. As they are made from sterling silver, they wear and pair well with many different colours and patterns of clothing. Charming and contemporary in equal measure, choose them (either individually or together as a matching set), for friends, for family, for you and for love from Fields the Jeweller.

The dapper gentleman can also indulge in Irish style with the more modern Celtic and Claddagh men’s jewellery that we offer. As can be seen above, this includes a cuff bangle from Alex And Ani (which is adorned with intricate line designs and a four-leaf clover / shamrock emblem). Made from glimmering sterling silver and etched with some black detailing, it manages to be both subtle and eye-catching at once. The Claddagh ring design is also available as can be seen here in a thick band design. Etched with the classic Claddagh symbols in a recurring pattern, it is a great way to incorporate some Irish style into your aesthetic in a way that is sure to court compliments.

Stunning and serene in equal measure, our Celtic and Claddagh jewellery offering is sure to be the perfect pick for friends, for family, for you and for love from Fields the Jeweller.

International Women's Day 2019

The theme of International Women’s Day, which falls in the 8th of March 2019, is ‘Balance for Better’ (being promoted with the hashtag #balanceforbetter) as it aims to promote a gender-balanced world. In terms of jewellery, watches and aesthetic accessories overall; one often aims for a balanced aesthetic to complete their looks and outfit choices. So in celebration of International Women’s Day 2019, here we take a look at some key pieces that balance the style stakes in your favour.

Classic feminine charm is effortlessly evoked with the Gucci watch pictured in the above image. Complete with a floral leather strap and gleaming gold-tone steel bezel and casing, it shines with serene sophistication and Italian design style. Choose it to admirably accentuate any of your looks with an eye-catching aesthetic empowered by traditional visuals and strong and enduring steel - a perfect balance of form and function. Alex And Ani also present their 'Soul Sister' bangle which works as a great way to symbolise a sisterly bond between both friends and family. Adorned with some captivating celestial sparkle, the design of it is on-trend while the sentiment will forever remain in style. Think of it as the perfect present for the sister figure in your life (perhaps you can even buy one each like a matching best friend necklace).

Crafted in a loving heart-shape and decorated with an ornate design, this locket beautifully binds any of your looks together. It features decadent deep blue detailing which works in tandem with the shimmering silver and clear crystal design to offer the wearer a balanced color scheme that is empowered with versatile appeal. As you can display photographs within it, it gains a sentimental value that is sure to be treasured forever. Consider it as the perfect piece to accentuate a look without being garish or over the top.

Fans of more eye-catching designs are sure to adore this Gucci Plexi watch. Crafted in a neat 24mm sizing, it is draped around the wrist like a beautiful bracelet and radiates a visually magnetic aesthetic. The bangle bracelet is studded with pink crystals which match the shimmering pink pearl face. Striking red and green striped detailing add to the appeal too. This wonderful watch from the iconic Italian fashion house of Gucci is simply ideal to elevate and balance a more minimalist and neutral look with stunning and striking aesthetic appeal.

While jewellery, watches and aesthetic accessories such as this balance your looks and outfit choices; it is important too to remember this ‘Balance for Better’ ethos beyond aesthetics and beyond International Women’s Day. Rather we should use these punctuations as reminders of the love, lifestyle and appreciation that we all deserve and should expect in a gender-balanced world.

First Anniversary Gift Ideas

To mark your first year of wedded bliss, a wonderful watch makes a great and modern gift idea for your beautiful beloved. Here at Fields the Jeweller, we stock a stunning selection of watches for him and for her - from a range of world-famous and celebrated brands.

Men's Watches

Hugely popular with the dapper gentleman, men’s watches are a staple style (and functional) accessory of today. Above is one of Gucci's G-Timeless watches that is crafted with a classic tan leather strap and a contemporary striped aesthetic. Made in a 38mm sizing with gleaming yellow gold-tone steel and detailing, it stands out for all the right reasons when worn on the wrist. Fans of designer styles will also appreciate the Emporio Armani watch collection which is packed with timepieces made from the likes of sleek steel and luscious leather. When empowered with these Italian brands, your partner is sure to cherish and treasure their watch collection even more. For those who seek a more premium timepiece, the masterful Swiss brand of TAG Heuer makes a simply perfect present pick. Discover the decadence of the likes of their classic Aquaracer and Formula 1 collections that attract an admirable amount of attention.

Ladies' Watches

Poised and primed to please the stylish and sophisticated lady, our ladies’ watch selection at Fields the Jeweller is simply stunning. Pictured above is Gucci's visually magnetic Plexi watch that features radiant pearl and captivating crystal detailing. Crafted in a neat 24mm sizing, it can be elegantly draped around the wrist like a beautiful bracelet. Yet another popular brand is that of Michael Kors and the likes of their Lauryn, Parker and Sofie collections. They offer your beloved a selection of shimmering steel and supple leather designs in a multitude of colours and hues such as on-trend rose gold and pleasing pink. Emporio Armani offer an abundance of aesthetic mastery too. Their wonderful watch designs feature the likes of bold black pearl, meticulous motifs and much more to adore. As an iconic Italian fashion house, they offer the wearer classic and timeless appeal and as such make a great gift idea at your first wedding anniversary.

A loving gift and a sentimental symbol of your time together, a watch makes the perfect present for your first wedding anniversary. Browse and buy online or in any of our showrooms nationwide.

March Birthstone Jewellery

Gorgeously gleaming in a light blue hue, the aquamarine gemstone glows like the sea and the sky. A perfect colour for the March birthstone as we move into the bright and beautiful season of spring. As such, aquamarine jewellery makes for a great gift idea for those who celebrate their birthday in March.

Speaking of birthdays, you can join our Privilege Club to get up to 15% off jewellery and watches with an extra 10% discount during your birthday month (terms and conditions apply). Click / Tap here to sign up.

What is the March Birthstone?

The March birthstone is the highly aesthetic and attractive aquamarine. It has been celebrated throughout history due to its attributes of calm, clairity, happiness and youth.

What Colour is it?

It is most famously presented in a beautiful blue hue (hence its name), but other colours such as green are also available. As part of the beryl mineral family, the iron within it gives it it's colour.

Fields the Jeweller are proud to stock aquamarine jewellery which makes the perfect present for friends, for family, for you and for love. The beautiful colour pairs well with every colour of precious metal and works harmoniously with virtually all of your looks and outfit choices. Due to this, your jewellery collection can be empowered with versatile appeal with pieces that are sure to become staples within your jewellery collection. It is a choice that will pay off in spades as it is sure to court compliments and attract admirable attention.

For the dapper gentleman, he can consider a terrific TAG Heuer Aquaracer watch (with a blue face like pictured above) or a clever and compact Secrid wallet as their birthday treat. With these blue options available, they act as a subtle nod to the March birthstone. Whether you choose to wear it in earring, necklace, bracelet or ring from; the aquamarine gemstone is sure to stand out in style. Available to browse and buy here online and in our showrooms nationwide, consider it this month as an indulgent treat for yourself or a sentimental gift idea for someone special in your life.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrate their birthday in February. May it be a special day to remember - perhaps even with a special treat chosen from Fields the Jeweller for friends, for family, for you and for love.

Our Engagement Story - Chelsea and Adam

“I spent the night walking up and down past his table.”

Chelsea and Adam’s meet-cute was just that: the couple met four years ago, on St Patrick’s Day. Chelsea says: “We were in a local pub with friends. I saw him first and fancied him loads! I spent the whole night walking up and down past his table, but he didn’t even notice me.” All was almost lost, as Chelsea and her friend left the pub to go to another bar. “I was dancing the night away, trying to get that handsome man out of my mind,” Chelsea recalls. As it turns out, she needn’t have bothered. “To my surprise, I turned around and he was walking towards me!” It turns out that Adam’s friends had dragged him to the very same bar.The couple spent the night together, “talking and laughing…” until, yet again, their romance was almost thwarted, this time by Adam himself. “To my utter shock, he didn’t have a phone!” Chelsea laughs. “He went to the toilet attendant and paid a fiver for a pen and I wrote my number on his arm. He walked home from the pub with his sleeves rolled up so that it wouldn’t rub off.”

“Everything was just instant.”

“I acted cool, but I was freaking out with excitement!.”

Chelsea and Adam had their first date shortly afterwards – “we went to Bray and had ice-cream on the beach, and everything was just instant from there.” Things moved swiftly from their ice-cream Sunday, with Adam introducing Chelsea to his family on their second date. “I knew he meant business!” Two weeks later, he asked her to be his girlfriend. “It was really quick,” Chelsea concedes, “but it never felt rushed.” “I 100% knew the proposal was coming” As for popping the question, that came two years later and, says Chelsea, “it was the world’s worst kept secret! Any time Adam would have a few beers, he’d tell anyone who’d listen that we were getting married. I’d just laugh!” Shortly before Christmas in 2017, the couple were walking past Fields the Jeweller when Adam asked Chelsea which ring she’d choose. When she pointed out the one she had always loved, Adam suggested she go in and try it on. “I acted cool, but I was freaking out with excitement!” Chelsea admits. “I tried on the ring and Adam asked the sales assistants what my ring size was. He then just said thanks and walked out of the shop! I was like, you can’t do that to a girl!” It wasn’t long afterwards that the big moment came – unbeknownst to Chelsea, Adam had returned the following day with his mum and bought the ring, an 18ct White Gold and Diamond Square Cluster Engagement Ring. “It was love at first sight – that was the ring that always caught my eye! I wanted something big and sparkly, so it was right up my street.”

“It was love at first sight - that was the ring that always caught my eye!.”

“The best day of our lives.”

Adam didn’t rush into a proposal, though. “The wait nearly killed me!” Chelsea laughs. Early on, Adam had told Chelsea that he’d like to get engaged on holiday – so she had her suspicions about an upcoming holiday the two were taking to Rome, “but it could have been Christmas, Valentine’s Day, my birthday…” Those occasions came and went and there was no sign of a ring – until their trip to Rome in March.“I found it hilarious but didn’t let on” “Two days before we were due to fly out, he sent a huge bouquet of flowers to my job. All the girls in the office freaked out!” she remembers. “Then, at the airport, Adam was so nervous about his bags – and especially nervous going through security. I found it hilarious but didn’t let on.” Adam had booked dinner in a high-end restaurant for March 28th, so Chelsea put on her dress – “I’d bought it especially for the ‘surprise engagement’”. Adam wore a three-piece suit – “with a big, bulging box in his pocket – again, I just tried not to laugh!” The restaurant – a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Colosseum – was, says Chelsea, “like something out of a movie. The staff and Adam had worked together to make a private area for the two of us, with the best view in the house.” “It was the best day of our lives” The table was surrounded by candles and roses: “It was a dream come true.” The couple ordered food and wine and reminisced over their three years together. When it came time for dessert, “Adam was pretty insistent that I order something” – and, when the waiter arrived with the dessert, on a plate covered with a silver lid, “Adam took my hands and just said the sweetest things… I was welling up at this stage. When he removed the lid, the plate was full of rose petals, with a ring box in the middle.” When Adam got down on one knee, “I couldn’t say yes quickly enough!” It was, says Chelsea, “the best day of our lives”.

“I couldn't say yes quickly enough!.”

Chelsea and Adam are planning to get married in summer of 2020, in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. “It was love at first sight with the venue,” says Chelsea. “We’re beyond excited to get married!” Chelsea’s top tip? “Don’t spend the night of your engagement on the phone! I just wanted to tell everyone, but we decided we’d have one phone call each after dinner and drinks – and, when we got back to the room, we’d share it on social media. I’m glad we did, because we had such a lovely night, with no distractions.”

All pictures courtesy of Chelsea Tyler McNeill ¦ Instagram. Shop engagement rings from Fields the Jeweller online or in any of our 14 Republic of Ireland showrooms.

Picking the Perfect Diamond

Diamonds are an investment not just in terms of value, but also an investment into love. As we know, diamond engagement rings are traditionally presented to your partner when you propose to them. However many people do not always know how to pick the perfect diamond. What are the attributes to look out for? How do I know I am selecting the best diamond for my beloved? Using the four C's of Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity; here we explain how to pick the perfect diamond at Fields the Jeweller.

What are the four C's?

The four C's refer to carat, cut, colour and clarity. Each of these elements are what make diamonds so dazzling and beautiful and what makes them remain eternally in style.

Diamond Carat

You will often see the word 'carat' (or the abbreviated version 'ct') when researching diamonds. This refers to the weight and size of the diamond itself - just how a dumbbell in the gym is measured in kilograms for example. So a 1.00ct diamond weighs more and is larger than a 0.75ct diamond. As you can imagine, the higher the carat weight, the higher the price of the diamond. Some diamond ring designs may feature more than one diamond (such as the trending trilogy style) and in these cases they feature what is known as a total diamond weight (TDW). The TDW refers to what all of the individual diamonds in the design amount to together e.g. 1.25ct TDW. Remember: The weight and size of a diamond is referred to as carat (or ct) and the higher the carat, the higher the value.

Diamond Cut

As a diamond is technically a stone, it can be cut into different shapes. A round cut is arguably the most classic and popular cut, but the likes of cushion cut, oval cut and princess cut also exist. Like the names suggest, round cut and oval cut diamonds are presented in these respective shapes. A cushion cut takes on more of a square appearance (with rounded edges), while a princess cut retains the sharp and angular edges. When cut properly and carefully, each diamond will include facets within it that allow them to sparkle and shine with a supreme radiance. Remember: Diamonds can be cut into many different shapes with the facets within them allowing them to sparkle and shine.

Diamond Colour

Diamonds are most popularly seen with a clear / transparent appearance, but they can also come in many colours such as blue, brown and yellow. Clear / transparent diamonds are technically referred to as white diamonds. The colour of a diamond is assessed on a grading scale which ranges from the letter D to the letter Z. At the very top of the scale, D signifies an exceptional white diamond - practically the best and purest white colour that can be achieved. Diamonds ranging from K down to Z become increasingly tinted in appearance and are less and less white. As such, H is always a good colour to aspire to as this is a perfectly white diamond free from tinting. Remember: On the diamond colour scale from D all the way down to Z, H is an ideal colour to strive for.

Diamond Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to any perceived marks or inclusions within the stone itself. While most of these are barely visible to the naked eye, it is something to keep in mind in terms of the overall value of a diamond. Diamond clarity runs on a scale starting with F1 signifying a flawless diamond and including S1 (small inclusions) and I1 (inclusions visible to the naked eye). In terms of rarity and cost, S1 is often a stunning standard to strive for when picking a diamond. Remember: While not always readily visible, diamond clarity affects the value of a diamond - so S1 is a diamond clarity to aspire to.

Empowered with the four C's of diamond carat, cut, colour and clarity; you can pick the perfect diamond for your perfect partner at Fields the Jeweller. Browse and buy our engagement rings here. You can also browse and buy from our unique and exclusive Fields Setting diamond rings here - each of these boast the treasured H diamond colour and S1 diamond clarity.