Ór Jewellers - For something a bit different

We have been adorning ourselves with jewellery for thousands of years. From our ancient ancestors decorating their bodies with shells, feathers, and bones to priceless jewels and gems worn by royalty and aristocrats, our love of jewellery has not diminished throughout the ages.

Tracy and Jade Sammon of Ór Jewellers, Williams Gate Street. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy.

Sourcing at home and abroad

Ór Jewellers on William Street (beside Espresso44 and Garavan’s Bar) is a must visit for any aficionado of jewellery. Co owner Tracy Sammon sat down with the Galway Advertiser to chat about the store’s unique offerings and running the store with her daughter Jade who is the manager there. “I have worked in the retail and hospitality sector for more than 23 years. I have always had a passion for jewellery and fashion so when my daughter Jade returned from Canada at the same time the unit on William Street became available, we decided to seize the opportunity and opened Ór Jewellers in June 2017,” says Tracy.

What constitutes jewellery is always open to interpretation and when we walk into a jewellers we hope that an item of jewellery will catch our eye.

As the name suggests Ór Jewellers has a wonderful range of gold jewellery, but the store prides itself on being able to offer customers something that is different to what one would expect to find in another jewellers.

“The range of jewellery we stock is unique and gives our customers pieces to choose from whatever the occasion,” says Tracy. “Our look is not something you would see in most jewellers. Our ranges would include everything from Celtic jewellery to very unusual pieces such as Italian brand Pig’oh which is made using wood and cable wire. We strive to keep our collections fresh with new pieces as well as new designers gracing our shelves each season”

Sourcing pieces of jewellery and designers that are exclusive involves a lot of research and sees Tracy and Jade attend many international jewellery trade shows. “We have a lot of products from designers that are not only exclusive to Galway but to Ireland too. Ór loves to bring exciting, versatile, jewellery to our customers, such as the Melano range, a Danish brand exclusive to our store; Soru, a range by Italian sisters which is a firm favourite with celebrities all over the world due to the exquisite detail and stunning gemstones used in making each piece of the collection. We also very recently welcomed a new brand, Sopru; a Portuguese label which is sterling silver with 18 carat gold plate and semi precious stones. Travelling Europe to attend trade shows enables us to offer our customers a wider range of products while keeping up with the trends at home and abroad.”

However, the team know that some of the best and unique pieces of jewellery can be obtained under our noses in Ireland. “We are very proud to support Irish designers,” says Tracy. “Lindsay De Búrca from Galway and Áine Breen from Wexford, are wonderful Irish designers that we stock. We believe our range of jewellery is unique, affordable, and the highest quality. We stand by any piece of jewellery that is sold in Ór.”

Working alongside Tracy is her daughter Jade who manages the store. Tracy believes the mother and daughter partnership has served the business very well in its one and half years on William Street. Each brings her own taste and style so when it comes to sourcing new collections, pieces chosen suit a variety of styles catering for customers of all ages.

“It is definitely a strong point of our business because it offers variety to the customer, meaning also there are pieces suited for everyone, no matter what the occasion, style, or age.”

Top customer service

Joining Tracy and Jade on the shop floor are Rosie Moran and Niamh Salmon. The quartet are well versed in the jewellery that is on display, able to answer any query a customer may have and provide advice on securing the perfect piece of jewellery which will complete your look whether going for daytime look, a night out on the town, a wedding and everything in between.

“When we launch a new collection or designer, we will sit down with the ladies and go through everything from where the designer is from, what materials are used in each piece, how everything is made, caring for the pieces to ensure we are giving the highest level of customer service at all times.”

Nickel allergies are becoming increasingly common which is why we only choose jewellery that is nickel free.

“But where the ladies really come into their own is their styling advice. Many people who come through our doors will look to us for advice on how to accessories a certain outfit. Our team delivers time and again. It is why we have so many regular customers because they know that not only are they getting a quality piece, but they are getting top customer service in addition.”

As with many businesses in the modern age, Ór Jewellers has a strong presence on social media. “We post multiple times a week on both Facebook and Instagram. It enables us to showcase the different ranges we have in store from the delicate pieces to the statement jewellery,” says Tracy. “We get a lot of queries over social media and over the phone, and many people will buy the jewellery via those mediums as we ship worldwide.

“Ór is open seven days a week so if customers need something last minute, we are here for them. If a customer is looking for something in particular that we do not have in stock, we are happy to place special orders to facilitate specific requests. Personalised jewellery is always popular and we are delighted to be able to offer engraving. There is something for everyone and every occasion under one roof.”

Ór Jewellers is grateful to all is customers for their support and loyalty since the business opened its doors a year and a half ago. The team are looking forward to many more years ahead.