SPONSORED: Kilkenny’s Lorimat Jewellers sparkles at 2019 Irish Wedding Awards

KILKENNY’s Lorimat Jewellers has been named Jeweller of the Year at the prestigious Irish Wedding Awards 2019.

It’s a fantastic achievement for the Kilkenny business, who beat off stiff competition from some of the best known and longest established jewellers in the country, including Appleby and Howell Jewellers.

Owner and second-generation jeweller Rita Shanahan said she was “blown away” by the award.

And the accolade is already boosting business at Lorimat’s plush showroom on Patrick Street, opposite The Pembroke Hotel.

A thrilled Rita told KilkennyNow.ie: “I was completely blown away when it was announced that we were the winners.”

Rita attended the ceremony with her husband, Seán, who was quick to relay the good news back to the Kilkenny team which includes Mai Corr and Maxine Bannon.

“This award win has really instilled confidence in us all,” Rita added.

“We took a risk when we moved from our traditional home on Kieran Street up to Patrick Street and redesigned the business to focus more on wedding jewellery. It’s a gamble that has really paid off.

“We’ve not alienated our traditional clientele and yet we’re accommodating more and more bridal groups who want one-to-one appointments and a private space where we can chat and make sure they get exactly what they want.”

Up to 70% of Lorimat’s turnover is now wedding related and being based in Kilkenny and so close to the stunning castle, fantastic hotels and restaurants all makes it a very appealing place to come and pick out that all-important engagement, wedding or eternity ring as well as gifts for the bridal party.

Lorimat’s extensive website, https://www.vintageengagementrings.ie/ has helped as a shop window for the business. But what sets Lorimat apart, customers say, is the attention to detail, the professional yet personal service and the range Rita and the Lorimat staff offer.

They come for Lorimat’s beautiful vintage engagement ring styles, classic wedding rings for both ladies and gents and exquisite eternity rings.

“People come to us for expert personal advice in choosing the ideal ring for their personality, style, and tastes. Whether it be an off the shelf ring, a ring made to order, or a bespoke design, we tailor for all tastes, pretty much all budgets. We know that a ring is more than a piece of jewellery. It’s a declaration of love. Regardless of how customers want to express this, we are glad to help,” said Rita.

To accommodate one-to-one consultations, Lorimat has also changed its opening hours. Consultations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are by appointment only. They open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for all other services, including valuations, sizing and repairs.

Lorimat celebrates 25 years in business this year.

Rita’s mother, Teresa Brennan, established the family-run business before Rita, a former loss adjuster with The Thornton Group, took over in 2011.

The business was formerly located on Kieran Street and only moved to Patrick Street in the past year.

Business has gone from strength to strength since then and the entire Lorimat staff hope the award win will focus even more exposure on them across 2019 and beyond.