Grand opening of new Elegant Gems store

Elegant Gems has moved to its brand-new Thomas Ashe Street location just in time to welcome you over the festive season. Reporter Gemma Good dropped in to see Peter Scanlon and the team and get a sneak preview of their shining new jewellery store and studio in the heart of Cavan Town...

While some customers have already called in to browse Elegant Gems’ fine selection of jewellery, the official grand opening will take place tomorrow (Friday), November 28. Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Niamh Smyth expected to cut the ribbon on Elegant Gems’ next chapter.

Those attending can expect a champagne reception, finger food, treats, and an exclusive first glimpse at the new store and the range of jewellery laid out just in time for Christmas.

The new premises (formerly Young’s Bar) was first bought in 2023, with work beginning in February of this year. It’s been a hectic ten months that has paid off for Cavan jeweller Peter Scanlon, who is thrilled to welcome customers through the doors of his purpose-built jewellery studio.

Operating from 100 Main Street premises since 1989, the team has moved just thirty steps around the corner to number 1 Thomas Ashe Street.

“We were one of the very few retail outlets down here, and I was four and now I’m forty. I can remember moving in here,” Peter tells the Celt, speaking during his final few days in the main street shop.

The studio contains a retail shop at the front and a customer area, with display cabinets featuring brands such as Ted Baker, Aquaforte, ChloBo, GANT, Maserati and “loads” more with a selection of permanent jewellery and plenty of space for consultation with the Elegant Gems’ staff, opportunities to try on the jewellery and also piercing services.

To the left of the studio, a private meeting room has been built for those who wish to discuss a more personal project, such as having a ring refurbished, designing a bespoke engagement ring or wedding bands.

“We specialise in wedding rings, engagements rings and eternity rings,” the county jeweller says, who has been giving the customers space to design their own ring with professional guidance for the past eleven years.

Why does Elegant Gems specialise in these rings?

“Because we use CAD [Computer Aided Design], customers are able to visualise the rings before they are made up. We can 3D print models of the rings,” explains Peter, displaying some models recently made, which customers can try on before making their final decision.

“They can see it before we make it. We’re 3D printing for the last nine years, and we’re using CAD eleven years. It’s a well and truly trodden path.”

It’s good business for both Peter and the customer. It means Elegant Gems doesn’t order jewellery that the customer ultimately doesn’t like once the finished product sits on their finger; while the customer can get exactly what they want and even play a part in its design.

From the time of sending the initial idea of what they would like, Peter can have the finished product within four to six weeks. Peter will be taking on ring projects until the end of November, which will be ready in time for Christmas, however he assures: “I won’t take on a ring I can’t deliver.

“Walk in the door, if you want to sit-down for an hour, you’re probably better giving us a call and letting us know,” he says.

Appointments can be booked online, through social media or by giving the shop a call.

“Even better again, if I know you’re coming send me what you’re thinking and I’ll have the homework done for you,” he encourages, explaining that he can have a 3D printed model ready when they come for their consultation.

“It’s customer intuitive, we can change colours, change stone, change the width, make it heavier, lighter, all of that.”

For those who want to buy a ring off a tray, Elegant Gems can cater to those customers too.

Repairs & Engraving

The store also serves as a workshop for repairs of watches and jewellery, while they will continue to provide engraving facilities for those who want to personalise their jewellery for themselves or as a gift. They also engrave awards and trophies.

Those out shopping for Christmas can avail of their free gift-wrapping service, meanwhile the jewellers also uses Humm, which allows people to buy their jewellery on credit.

A glittering career

Peter has sat on the board of the Association of Fine Jewellers for years with other big names in the jewellery business such as Weir & Sons.

He initially went into the jewellery business in 2007, when he saw “the highest of the high” and then “the biggest recession we’ve ever seen in life”.

“I got a baptism of fire,” he says.

A proud history

The family’s history in the business life of the town began in 1947 with Scanlon’s on Town Hall Street, which Peter’s father James Junior still operates. James Junior and his mum Finola later opened Elegant Gems on Main Street in 1989 with a 35-year lease, which has now moved to Thomas Ashe Street.

The Cavan businessman is “happy” to be able to bring an old building, the former Young’s Bar, back into use and predicts it will have a “big impact” on Thomas Ashe Street. Now, a striking double-sided clock with ‘Elegant Gems’ written beside it hangs where the shadows of a former thriving pub lurked. The premises also contains an additional shop unit, which is already occupied by a new business soon to open its doors to Cavan (watch this space) and two generously-sized centre town apartments with private access above the shops. He expects to have “every last aspect” up and running by January.

Appointments