Meet the glitterati: Margaret O’Rourke

It’s a glamorous business that takes drive and determination to succeed in. In an exclusive three-part series, three successful women tell Marie Kelly why they made their love of jewellery their business. In today’s edit, MoMuse Founder and Designer Margaret O’Rourke shares her penchant for black and white and all things simple and classic.

Margaret O’Rourke, Founder and designer, MoMuse

I began selling my jewellery at markets at weekends but when stylist Aisling Farinella set up the Loft Market in 2006, I was one of the first designers to join. I loved the process of creating and I got a taste of the retail experience in the beautiful Powerscourt Centre, where I am still located. It was all meant to be. While building MoMuse, I was lucky enough to work part-time for both Hermès and Chanel in Brown Thomas. It was an incredible learning experience; the training and customer focus was really amazing. I was so inspired by Chanel, in particular, that one of my very first collections was created in black and white.

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When I first opened the MoMuse store in Powerscourt, I stocked other designers as well as my own, but the MoMuse collection proved most popular, so now the only other designer I sell is Merle O’Grady. I have stocked her jewellery from day one. She is a great friend and creates truly beautiful pieces.

9kt white gold double circle pendant, €165 at momuse.ie

My favourite MoMuse items are the stacking rings, which I began making about five years ago in gold, rose, white and platinum, using both black and white diamonds. I add a new design every year, and each one is part of the story of my growing business. This year’s ring is a black and white diamond band. My bestselling piece, however, is the 9 karat fine gold double circle pendant; it’s timeless, simple and classic. I wouldn’t change a thing about my career path to date. I know people use this line a lot, but if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

This article first appeared in the November issue of IMAGE Magazine.