OUR STORY

Cara (also known as the Irish word for ‘friend’) was born and raised in the close-knit village that is Castleknock beside the Phoenix Park in Dublin. However has made her home in county Kildare where Arthur Guinness set up his first Brewery,  Leixlip.

 “I've always been fascinated by prehistoric goldwork. Growing up, my mother brought myself and my older sister to The National Museum of Ireland. I saw the craftsmanship, these intricate markings made by hand on the Lunulae gold necklaces and gold necklace collars. I fell in love which sparked something within me later in life and now. Every piece I make has these principles and has its own story to tell.” 

- Cara Sturgess

At 24 , Cara graduated from The National College of Art &  Design in jewellery & metalwork. During her studies, she researched the origins of Irish and Celtic jewellery design. Looking towards The National Museum of Ireland's Ór collection also known as the 'gold collection' for inspiration. Cara noticed that these were proud pieces, rich in colour and texture, and thought to herself that she could see these pieces being worn today. Cara identified an opportunity that opened up exciting new avenues and possibilities for Irish-Themed jewellery collection. Cara wanted to create something that fully embodied the richness and celebrate Ireland’s incredible design heritage, without losing sight of the current times. To design for the present, but inspired by our past and so in the idea that was ‘Loinnir’ was born.

  That spark came to full tuition, late 2016 brought us to where we are today, when Cara won  'Best Idea' of Ireland Best Young Entrepreneur in the Leo Fingal Region.