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Alex Monroe x Emma Dabiri
We are proud to present a collaborative collection with Irish author, academic and broadcaster, Emma Dabiri. We joined forces with Emma, who took us on a jewellery journey through Irish culture, culminating in a celebration of feminine empowerment.

Alex Monroe x Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri wearing statement earrings and Claddagh ring.

Our starting point was to create a contemporary twist on the traditional Claddagh ring, and we began by exploring its symbolism.

Alongside this, it was important to us to honour Emma as a writer, and explore the folk beliefs which are woven throughout the Irish language.

From here we looked at Celtic mythology and the intricate illustrations of Jim Fitzpatrick depicting Irish myths and legends - often celebrating Goddesses rather than Gods.

Whether celebrating Irish heritage, folklore, your connection to the natural world or indeed your personal inner Goddess, this is a capsule collection to both inspire and empower.

Goddesses were once central to the Irish mythic world and culture, but over time, emergent patriarchal forces conspired to obscure their presence. In collaborating with Alex Monroe, we have created jewellery in recognition and celebration of their reclamation Emma Dabiri

Claddagh Ring Symbolism

A Claddagh ring comprises three symbolic motifs, two hands holding a heart with a crown. The hands symbolise friendship, the heart represents love and the crown is loyalty. Traditionally, the position you placed a Claddagh ring on your hand would indicate your relationship status.

Left Hand
Right Hand
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Heart:Facing Inwards
Meaning:Married
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Heart:Facing Inwards
Meaning:In a Relationship
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Heart:Facing Outwards
Meaning:Engaged
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Heart:Facing Outwards
Meaning:Single
Womans hand gently swaing pink flowers, wearing white flowy long sleaved dress and silver claddagh ring
Emma Dabiri in white dress next to a silver birch in the forest, wearing silver statement earrings and necklace.
Foxgloves Wild Foxgloves are used as a motif as they are deemed to have otherworldly connotations, featuring throughout Irish mythology. The Irish Lus na mban sí meaning ‘plant of the fairy women.’
Womans hand gently swaing pink flowers, wearing white flowy long sleaved dress and silver claddagh ring

Gaelic Engravings

The use of Gaelic words throughout each design is a reflection of Emma as a writer but also served to visually soften the solid angular frames and give pattern to flat areas.

Dathú When looking at the Irish language, we were especially drawn to the word Dathú - a magical power that enables you to be dealt the best cards in the pack.
Grá There are many types of love throughout life, and the Irish language has many words for it, but Grá means love in its most simple translation.
Brid Brid or St Brigid is one of Ireland’s most important saints and some historians think she was Christianised from an ancient pagan Goddess. St Brigid is celebrated on the 1st of February to herald Spring, regeneration and new awakenings.
Bandia Simply meaning Goddess, Bandia felt an essential part of the Irish language to include.
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring. Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring. Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring. Emma Dabiri in white knit cardigan and white dress sat by window with subtle pink and green light from stained glass. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Emma Dabiri in white top with pastel coloured knit cardigan sat in a forest amongst pink foxglove flowers. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.
Hazel Hazel leaves also feature as in Irish mythology it is believed that nine hazel trees mark the border between us and the mystic realm.
Emma Dabiri in white top with pastel coloured knit cardigan sat in a forest amongst pink foxglove flowers. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.

Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri is a broadcaster, historian, and bestselling author.

Emma’s work often delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and race through art, history, and current affairs.

Her debut book ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ became an Irish Times Bestseller and inspired a national conversation about race and hair, which has led to changing regulations in schools and other British institutions.

Emma Dabiri in white top with pastel coloured knit cardigan sat in a forest amongst pink foxglove flowers. She is wearing statement earrings, necklace and Claddagh ring.

Bespoke Beginnings

Our collaboration with Emma began when she approached our Bespoke jewellery team with an idea...

After years of seeking a Claddagh Ring with a contemporary twist, and failing to find what she was looking for, Emma wanted to create a piece that would both honour Irish traditions, reflect her personal style and be made in an ethically and environmentally sensitive way.

The starting point was an incredible ethically sourced heart shaped pink sapphire from Wennick Lefèvre. The traditional Claddagh hands of friendship were given sleeves of hazel leaves, which were set with a scattering of Ocean Diamonds, and the ring itself was made from 18ct Fair Mined Gold.

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