Local Business Spotlight: Simon Barber Jewellery, Fermoy

The story of Simon Barber Jewellery is one that shines a light on the Fermoy of old.

Simon Barber, who designs and crafts his own jewellery, comes from a long line of jewellers who first set up shop in Fermoy over 150 years ago. JJ Barber Jeweller (where Simon keeps his workshop) is Fermoy's oldest surviving store and has been home to five generations of craftsmen. Their passion for creating and selling high-quality jewellery has carried through the ages, and their shop continues to be a place where locals go to procure timeless gifts for their loved ones. 

The Barber family have been doing business in the town since 1869; first at O’Neill Crowley Quay (formally Artillery Quay) and later at their current premises on Patrick St, where the family moved in 1974. These days, Simon runs the shop and creates unique jewellery pieces at the family's workshop on-site. 

New Beginnings

Simon has spent decades honing his craft. Many skills and techniques he learned while working at his father's side, repairing watches and other items as a child. Later, he undertook studies in art and horology, before returning home to begin his own creative journey. 

When asked how the idea for Simon Barber Jewellery came about, Simon says it stemmed from his interest in finding something new and different to sell in the shop and the fact that he couldn't find what he was looking for anywhere else. With that in mind, he got behind the bench and started experimenting. It wasn't long before he had translated his practical experience and artistic flair into a range of carefully-crafted, unique pieces of jewellery, including pendants, bracelets, earrings, and cufflinks. 

Pick Me Up pendant from Simon's A Balancing Act collection

The natural world is Simon's muse. Local landscapes inspire much of his work, and the texture and shape of his pieces reflect what he sees beyond his doorstep. Simon is skilled at capturing the essence of a natural phenomenon, whether that's a sunset, a moonlit slope, or a formidable river such as the Blackwater. His jewellery imitates (and preserves in silver and gold) those fleeting moments in nature that either elude or amaze us.

Asked what it takes to become a skilled jeweller, Simon says a willingness to experiment, a good deal of patience, and a few ideas don’t go astray. It’s challenging but rewarding work that has won him lots of admirers, both at home and abroad. 

The support of the local community is something that small, independent businesses rarely take for granted. A stray, kind comment can mean so much to a local creator like Simon, who says positive feedback from his customers is what makes his work so enjoyable. Of course, it doesn't hurt to love what you do, and when it comes to passion and dedication for his trade, Simon's got plenty of it. 

Looking for a special gift for a special someone this Christmas? Look for local this Black Friday and holiday season to support artists and craftspeople in your community. To find out more about the Simon Barber Jewellery range, go to their website, where you can get free registered delivery to Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe. Also available at JJ Barber Jeweller, 6 Patrick Street, Fermoy and Kilkenny Shop, Dublin.