Annie Dunne has a love for travel, food and hosting that knows no bounds. She has organised and designed an array of events from large-scale weddings to intimate birthday parties, and product launches to press days. Following stints at some of London’s most prestigious event production agencies she moved home to open her own business. With her strong background in event management and continued work with the private members club Soho House, Annie recognised an unmet gap in the market - beautifully designed, high-quality tableware that remains accessible.
Her love of travel combined with the frustrations of transporting fragile ceramics home from distant corners of the world, ignited the idea for her travel-inspired tableware brand, Acquerello. Vibrant motifs and intricate patterns are reimagined through the Acquerello lens, and now Annie is on a mission to inspire you to cook, host, celebrate, travel, and live life to the fullest through her new collection.
Read on for Annie's insights into her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery Sale.
LOT 58: A CORAL AND GREEN AGATE BRACELET, BY ANDRÉ VASSORT FOR HENRI MARTIN
I love the contrast of these vibrant coral and deep green stones set in this textured gold frame. It’s the perfect piece for a sun holiday. I’d like to wear it with a simple white linen outfit for lunch on the beach or a black dress in the evening, allowing the bracelet to take centre stage.
LOT 77: A DIAMOND, MORGANITE AND TITANIUM 'FUCHSIA' BROOCH, BY MARGHERITA BURGENER
The petals on this brooch are not only a rich iridescent purple but they are also feather light due to being crafted in titanium. I love how the large, sparkling stone is delicately cradled by tiny delicate diamonds. If you’re looking to add a contemporary accessory to your outfit, this brooch is the perfect addition.
LOT 130: A MULTI-COLOURED SAPPHIRE BRACELET
This is quite literally me in jewellery form! I am totally obsessed with colour, and I fell head over heels for this dazzling multi-coloured sapphire bracelet. The rainbow colours of warm yellows and pinks to cool greens and blues, creates an eye-catching piece and it shines even brighter against sun-kissed skin, making it a must-have for beach days and summer nights!
LOT 92: A CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND BANGLE, ITALIAN, CIRCA 1960
Whilst a chunkier piece, the country girl in me loves the delicate leaf design that wraps around the wrist. The contrast between the warm gold and the soft pearls adds a touch of classic elegance, making it perfect for both every day and special occasions. It’s such a versatile bangle and I would wear it either with a simple outfit or layered with other pieces.
LOT 91: A FINE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BROOCH, FRENCH
Wow, I’m lost for words! This brooch is breathtaking and a true testament to masterful craftsmanship. The delicate design has an exceptional level of detail where each diamond is meticulously set to highlight the deep rich blue of the sapphire in the centre. Despite its delicate appearance, this brooch makes a powerful statement. It’s a piece to be treasured and passed down through generations.
LOT 45: A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BROOCH BY BOUCHERON, CIRCA 1970
Brooches are really making a comeback, and this one is a perfect example of why - they're not just accessories, but statement pieces that can transform your entire look. This quirky sunburst design would bring joy to even the coldest of winter days. I like how the vibrant energy of the sun has rays of gold extending outward dotted with diamonds and sapphires.
LOT 108: A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND DRESS RING, SIGNED LANGI
I’ve always had a deep love for rings, but this sapphire and diamond ring is special and completely unlike anything I’ve seen before. The ring’s unique design, with its sapphire and diamond arrangement forming the shape of a diamond, is so unique. It’s a statement of individuality and I’m absolutely in love with how it stands out from the crowd.
LOT 125: A DIAMOND LINE BRACELET, FRENCH, CIRCA 1970
This diamond bracelet reminds me so much of a beautiful piece my mum has. Very delicate, each diamond is perfectly set to catch the light with every movement. It’s timeless with just the right amount of shimmer.
LOT 186: A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS, BY MARGHERITA BURGENER
When I met Claire, she tried on these earrings for me, and I was sold. The 3D heart shape design creates a striking impact and because they are set in titanium, they are super light and comfortable making them the perfect clip-on!
LOT 177: A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND ETERNITY RING
For anyone like me who loves colour, this stunning orange sapphire ring is just the piece to add to your collection. Eternity rings are my favourite for everyday wear and this one works perfectly on its own or stacked with other rings.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Publications, Lizzie Gore-Grimes, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction on September 13th features a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpel's renowned 'Mystery Setting'
Our June auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the great masterpieces of Irish art and icons of Dublin’s history.
Georgia Chiesa selects some of her favourite lots in the upcoming Vintage Wine & Spirits Auction
"Beating the bounds is a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval period. At this time, land was divided into parishes and the clergy and church wardens held the responsibility for its upkeep and management. It was up to the Church to ensure that its parishioners knew the local boundary lines and, before maps became commonplace, this had to be kept as a mental record."
Adam’s in conjunction with Suzanne MacDougald are proud to host an online timed auction of artworks to aid the Irish Red Cross’s humanitarian work in delivering vital services to millions of people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. With no buyers premium 100% of the hammer price will go directly to the Irish Red Cross.
Ros Drinkwater writes of Jack B Yeats' 'The Boat' in the Business Post:
With a consolidated result of €320,000,the At Home sale in Stephan’s Green, was a great success.