Murphy`s Jewellers
85 High Street Co. Kilkenny Ireland
Tel:056 7721127 / 056 7771814 Web:www.murphyjewellers.com E-Mail:sales@murphyjewellers.com
Up close & personal with Martin Costello G.G
1. How long has your business been established?
Murphy’s Jewellers has been established for 105 years. My great grandfather PT Murphy started the business in 1903 and we’ve been trading since then. We are diamond specialists and sell watches along with a wide range of jewellery from silver through to fine 18 carat gold. We also hope to expand our range in the very near future to include bespoke, hand-made jewellery from my brother Stephen who is a goldsmith and silversmith.
2. Murphy’s Jewellers is one of most reputable jewellers in the South East. What, in your opinion, makes your business so successful?
I believe that it is because of our attention to detail. We make it our business to give our customers every attention. We try to ensure that everyone leaves the shop happy and with the right piece of jewellery, which often is not the most expensive item.
3. How much should a couple budget for in terms of the cost of both an engagement ring and a pair of wedding bands?
Prices vary and at Murphy’s Jewellers we stock hundreds of engagement rings and wedding bands suitable for all pockets. The traditional notion was that you spent one month’s salary on your rings but it’s really all a matter of personal choice now, with many spending more.
4. What range of engagement ring designs do you stock and which design is most popular at present?
The solitaire is still right up there in terms of popularity. You can have various mounts and a solitaire with side diamonds is becoming increasingly popular. Platinum and yellow gold would account for about 90% of sales with the balance being white gold.
5. How do you classify and grade the quality of your diamonds?
I’m a diamond grader, in fact I’m a GIA Graduate Gemologist. I fully grade all our diamonds according to colour, clarity and most crucially of all, cut. The cut is really critical because if a diamond is well cut it will sparkle brighter and whiter than other diamonds.
6. If a couple decides to choose the traditional route, what are currently the most popular diamond cuts and settings for an engagement ring?
Without a doubt it’s the round brilliant cut and it probably will always be the most popular choice because it results in the brightest sparkle. The princess cut would come in some way behind followed by the oval and the marquise.
7. What follow-up service do you have available to your customers?
At Murphy’s we offer ring cleaning to our customers free of charge. We will also check rings regardless of whether they were bought from us. It’s important to check claws and mounts ideally every six months but definitely at least once a year. We also re-rhodium plate white gold.
8. If a wedding couple is not very traditional and the bride-to-be doesn’t want to wear a diamond engagement ring, what other options are available?
Mother-nature can supply almost every colour you can think of. We can recommend and source the beautiful, unique stone which will give the best colour and durability for your ring.
9 Can you advise us on the most appropriate gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Jewellery for bridesmaids is still the most popular choice. The bride and groom will usually opt for a pendant that has been chosen to complement the bridesmaid’s dress. For men a pocket watch is a good choice as it can be kept as a memento of the day.
10 How would you describe the service you offer to couples in three words?
Friendly, detailed and personal.
