21 June 2017
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
On the move
Azure Jewellery has announced the opening of its new premises at 23 George’s Quay, Cork city which is home to a new retail, design studio, trade room and office space for the jewellery designer Audrey Lehane and her growing team.
Established by Audrey in 2004, Azure Jeweller has built a reputation as a specialist in exquisite handcrafted jewellery as well as bridal jewellery and bridal hair accessories. All collections feature Swarovski pearls and crystals, fresh water pearls in addition to sterling silver and nine carat gold finishing’s.
Azure Jewellery
Picture: Miki Barlok
Audrey Lehane said, “I am delighted to move to this beautiful listed building and provide my clients with an amazing customer experience and the opportunity to observe bespoke designs being crafted in our own studio by myself and my talented team”.
The new showroom located in the landmark 23 George’s Quay… is a beautiful, listed structure built in 1790. This gem has recently undergone a major renovation fitting for an award winning designer.
Azure Jewellery
Picture: Miki Barlok
Audrey liaised closely with the Cork City planners in order to retain and restore many of the original features, internally and externally, to their original glory such as the brick work, the shop front and sash windows and now includes a beautiful handcrafted wrought iron staircase. A new lighting feature purchased after the recent renovation at Hotel Europe will provide a show stopping centrepiece of 795 glass petals shining brightly.
“Restoring No 23 was something I felt strongly about as I believe in supporting the rejuvenation of our city. I believe building projects like this will stimulate further private and public sector investment. This building in the heart of Cork city centre is now fully restored to the highest standards to ensure its reuse for the people of Cork in a space worthy of its history and architecture”, said Audrey.
The four storey building includes retail space on the ground floor, a workroom and design studio on the 2nd floor with a trade room for wholesale traders and an office located on the upper floors. Building work was completed by Cork based Oakfield Developments with engineering consultant Jim Kelly and architect Paul Redmond.
Azure Jewellery
Picture: Miki Barlok
Azure Jewellery currently employs a team of 5 and 2017 marks Audrey’s 13th year in business in Cork city centre. Azure has consistently featured as a prize winner at several Brides’ Choice Awards in Ireland.
Stockists include Keanes Jewellers in Cork, Limerick and Killarney, Moore’s Jewellers in Cork, Sinead’s Boutique in Annacotty, Ela Maria in Newcastle West as well as locations further afield in Dublin, Galway, Longford, Derry and in the UK, Wales and the United States.
