Margaret O'Rourke Interview

O’Rourke is from Killarney but has lived in Dublin for over 20 years. Her interest in design was born early, as she grew up in a household where the art of craft was revered.
“I grew up watching my Dad who was an amazing carpenter and could make or fix anything,” O’Rourke reveals, “I was always fascinated with him. I also loved art at school
and was always creative. It was years later I became interested in jewellery."
O’Rourke’s talent was innate and she was eager to start designing and working as soon as possible. She eschewed studying design formally and jumped in the deep end of the business – a strategy that payed off handsomely. “I always had a creative eye and began to travel to some trade shows across Europe sourcing beads etc. I had an amazing opportunity to work with Chanel’s Ready To Wear in Brown Thomas for a year which really inspired me and taught me a lot.”
The jewellery designer’s passion extends beyond following trends and fashions. MoMuse has found inspiration in, and contributed to, a number of great charities and causes.
“I have worked with a number of charities in the past few years and designed a little gold filled ribbon for October Breast Cancer Month a few years ago with all proceeds going to them,” says O’Rourke, before revealing a brand new project that she’s working on.
“This past week has been amazing, I approached Pieta House a few months ago regarding a collaboration and knowing that they used the word ‘hope’, I have designed a little gold filled pendant with all proceeds going directly to Pieta House. I have been a fan of the charity’s work for a number of years and always participated in Darkness
Into Light. I always believe it’s good to give back and help others if you can.”
O’Rourke’s gorgeous design and commitment to excellent causes has garnered famous fans, including Una Healy who has recently worn some MoMuse pieces on The Voice Of Ireland, and actress Saoirse Ronan.
I have been lucky enough to have some very inspiring people wear my designs. However, I am not a big fan of promoting this. I’ve seen that Una Healy has recently worn my pieces on The Voice of Ireland and know that Saoirse Ronan has also been pictured wearing MoMuse.
O’Rourke adores working with semi-precious stones and gemstones, and is always on the lookout for something different. “I have a fondness for Volcanic Lava as I love the texture. I am now working with fine jewellery and love working with gemstones and diamonds. I have been designing one off pieces especially rings, as well as creating
my delicate stack rings in rose and yellow gold. These are all cast, made and hallmarked here in Dublin. In the past year created a lot of engagement rings set with rubies & diamonds and wedding bands. This is now a slowly building aspect of my work which I love.”
With Christmas approaching, O’Rourke is now working on her Winter collection, which will have seasonal touches as well as a dose of bling!
“I have just finished a little tiny skull pendant and star pendant with tiny studs in fine jewellery. I love the darkness of skulls and my Swarovski Skull collection has continued to be a best seller. I am a big fan of stars so I love the run up to Christmas working away on multiple star pieces.”
O’Rourke’s designs are available online at momuse.ie, and her shop is on the ground floor of the Powerscourt Townhouse in Dublin. O’Rourke stocks many other Irish brands in her store too, from Eilis Boyle cashmere scarves to Irish greeting cards, as well as jewellery from Merle O’Grady and Natasha WILDLIFE with Roe McDermott Sterling, and stunning leather accessories fro m Una Burke and Carvon. “I believe in supporting home grown as much as possible,” O’Rourke says; yet another great philosophy from a talented and thoughtful designer.