Nigel O'Reilly: I sculpted materials such as gold, Madeira citrines

An engineer by training, jewellery designer Nigel O’Reilly is drawn to precision. His opulent designs, including the Hemisphere ring, push the limits of creativity and scale.

“I sculpted materials such as gold, Madeira citrines, and intricate detailing to evoke the golden liquid and the beautiful place in which this whiskey is produced,” says O’Reilly about his new creations, the “Pitilie Burn Cufflinks".

A collaboration with the Scottish whisky brand ABERFELDY on commemoration of their 125th anniversary year was the reason behind the meticulous craftsmanship of an exemplary collection of jewellery.

“I looked at each piece as a new opportunity to tell the story of ABERFELDY, ranging from the cup-shaped vessels from which ABERFELDY is enjoyed, and also paying homage to the alluvial gold found in the water of the Pitilie Burn River, on whos banks ABERFELDY creates their 'golden dram'. Each piece in this collection is a testament to the art of craftsmanship, meticulously fashioned with a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless traditions.”

As a scotch whiskey fan himself, says he designed the pieces the way he likes his scotch; neat and on the rocks. “The Pitilie Burn Cufflinks exemplify this connection, evoking the essence of a whiskey glass in their design,” says O’Reilly. “They mirror the rich hue of a fine single malt, complete with the inclusion of a bespoke-cut, domed Madeira citrine and burnt orange diamonds adorning the latticed rim.”

In detail: The Pitilie Burn Cufflinks | Two 18kt rose gold cufflinks in a latticed, cup-shape, each are set with a bespoke cut, 1.73ct. dome-shaped Madeira citrine for a total carat weight of 3.46cts. The globe of the cufflinks are set with 80 orange and blue diamonds, for a total accompanying diamond carat weight of 0.42ct.

“I utilized materials such as gold, Madeira citrines, and intricate detailing to evoke the golden liquid and the beautiful place in which it’s produced,” says O’Reilly about his new creation, the “Highland Honeycomb Ring”, a collaboration with the Scottish whisky brand ABERFELDY on the commemoration of their 125th anniversary year.

“I looked at each piece as a new opportunity to tell the story of ABERFELDY, and in this case, Aberfeldy’s appreciation and methods around beekeeping and pollination, and their importance in their whisky’s production. Each piece I created in this collection is a testament to Aberfeldy’s art of craftsmanship, meticulously fashioned with a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless traditions.”

Nigel O’Reilly-Master Goldsmith

"The Highland Honeycomb Ring": an 18KT rose gold designer ring, talon-set with one 16.25ct. bespoke-cut marquise Madeira citrine. The bridge of the ring is carved with a honeycomb pattern, each reticulation is set with a variety of diamonds; 486 in total of yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, pink and white diamonds for a total diamond carat weigh of 2.39cts.

“The colours and shapes in nature around the rural west of Ireland where I live inspired the design of these Fuchsia pearl earrings; the highly polished undulating shape allow light to shine through the ruby shell creating an almost crimson stained glass. These earrings are truly statement pieces”

Nigel O'Reilly

Teardrop-shaped 18kt white gold earrings, the internal conch pavé set with six hundred and six 1.1mm brilliant cut rubies for a total ruby carat weight of 3.03cts.

Each earring houses a 14mm teardrop-shaped golden South Sea pearl. Two hinges on the clasp and neck of the earrings allow for complete movement and safety.

“The Versilia is a combination of two different styles I have been working on over the last five years. The ‘rose series,’ is where I focused on the organic form and the perfection of the craft. Parallel to these "rose" projects I was taking my other jewellery creations in a different direction, opening up the sides and backs of my pieces to allow the gemstones to be admired from all angles. Listening to my client’s direction with this commission, it was a wonderful chance to combine both styles to create something unique and beautiful.

Your eye is immediately drawn to the centre diamond but then radiating from it, the diamond’s warmth flows into the rest of the piece. The goal? The wearer will always see something new, every time they view it.”

—Nigel O’Reilly