Kathy de Stafford, Ireland’s leading bridal designer and a multiple awards winner with over 28 years of experience, has recently announced a sparkly collaboration with Fields the Jeweller on a stunning collection of diamond engagement and wedding rings, along with diamond pendants and earrings. And, folks, VIP are delighted to report, that there’s a price-tag to suit every budget.
“For a couture designer, jewellery is an intrinsic part of that window into the bride’s inner self,” Kathy tells VIP. “I was always fascinated by the myriad of ring designs chosen by my brides, and I wanted to become involved in the creation of this special ring that would be worn every day of a bride’s life,” she explains.
“When Fields approached me, I realised that I had met the openness and complementary design creativity that I had been interested in. I love the fact that, like me, Fields are an Irish company that have been looking after Irish brides for nearly four decades. Importantly, as I worked with them I found that we think, create and work well as a unit. That’s not just creative, it’s also fun which is a critical part of creativity.”
Of course Kathy’s creative flair began as just that, fun. She was just three years old when her mother found her young daughter with a needle, thread and a piece of the living room curtains making a dress for her doll. From this very early start, Kathy’s love of design grew and she soon progressed from dolls dresses to making dresses for her little sister.
As a teenager Kathy was fascinated by the costumes featured in old movies, especially the beautiful gowns from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
Saving every penny from part-time summer jobs, Kathy would trawl the vintage shops to buy pieces, and would spend days taking them apart, learning their construction and putting them back together carefully. Inspired by these garments, Kathy started making her own gowns, which quickly began to attract attention. What had started as a personal passion was soon to become a career. A career which is still thriving and expanding, but most importantly, still fun.
With the same level of attention to detail Kathy gives to her bridal show-stoppers she has designed this Fields range. There are three distinct collections – Signature, Statement and Vintage – and each collection features a range of diamond rings set in 18ct white gold, and comes with IGI certification guaranteeing the excellence of each product.
A topaz blue stone adorns the shank of each ring in the range, reflecting Kathy’s signature brand colour, along with a Kathy de Stafford logo positioned inside the band. Each piece is also available in yellow or rose gold by special order. Prices for the collection range from €995 to €4500.
The range also features a selection of beautiful pendants and earrings, available in 9ct white gold or sterling silver; the perfect bridesmaids’ gift. Included in the range is a distinctive topaz blue pendant, reflecting Kathy de Stafford’s signature brand colour. Prices for the diamond jewellery pieces range from €450 to €795, while the sterling silver pieces range from €115 to €195. So get inspired and get excited and get yourself into one of their 14 stores nationwide – it’s all sparkles!
Signature Collection
Inspired by Kathy de Stafford’s use of clean lines in her bridal designs, the Signature Collection features a selection of classic style solitaire designs and 3 stones designs; some with yellow gold accents, and appeals to women who prefer classic designs for timeless elegance.
Statement Collection
Gold Princess and Baguette Diamond Ring €2995
The Statement Collection comprises modern styles using a variety of diamond shapes such as princess cuts, emerald cuts as well as halo designs, complementing Kathy’s emphasis on dramatic design details and fabric combinations. The Statement Collection features pieces that appeal to women who want to stand out and add glamour to their look.
Vintage Collection
The Vintage Collection is inspired by Kathy’s passion for art deco and the jewellery from that period. The collection features cluster style diamond rings incorporating art deco style designs, with hexagon shaped heads and oval halos. This collection is close to Kathy’s heart, having been inspired by one of her own personal rings.