International Womens Day - Charting Bold Waters with Grace O'Malley The Irish Pirate Queen

 

Grace O’Malley (aka. Granuaile) & I: A Shared Love of the Sea and Daring Adventures 

I’ve always felt a magnetic pull toward the ocean. It’s where I find my calm, my courage, and, ultimately, my inspiration. So it’s no surprise that when I first learned about Grace O’Malley—Ireland’s famed Pirate Queen—I felt an instant connection. She was everything a remarkable woman of her time wasn’t supposed to be: bold, fearless, and unapologetically independent. In my own way, I’ve tried to channel that spirit into what I do here at Jennifer Kinnear Jewellery.

Why Grace O’Malley Inspires Me

Grace commanded her clan’s fleet in the West of Ireland, sailing to destinations far beyond conventional boundaries. I find her story exhilarating—she didn’t wait for life to happen; she made it happen. While I’m not leading an armada, I do harness the power of the wind and waves by kite-surfing and sailing in Tarifa, beachcombing along the Irish coast, and transforming the shells, sea urchins, and organic treasures I find into meaningful pieces for those who, like me, yearn for a life off the beaten path. 

Introducing the Grace O’Malley Collection

That sense of fearless discovery inspired me to create my Grace O’Malley Collection—a tribute to the 16th-century Irish pirate queen known for her daring spirit, maritime prowess, and refusal to be bound by societal norms. The collection blends nautical motifs with timeless elegance, calling on everything from compasses and ship wheels to skulls and daggers, bows and pearls, and medallions reminiscent of long-lost treasures. Each design pays homage to a woman who did more than break barriers; she sailed straight through them—reminiscent of Granuaile’s extraordinary exploits on the waters of Clew Bay and beyond.

Key Pieces & Inspiration

          ● The compass necklace - Three Nautical Icons in one piece:

       1. Ship Wheel: Symbolic of guiding one’s course across uncertain seas.

2. North Star: This star is still used to navigate by to this day, a subtle reminder of the guidance we seek at life’s pivotal moments.
   

3. Compass: A nod to far-flung voyages and personal direction, perfect for anyone who embraces new horizons.

• ●  Nautical Medallions:

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  Inspired by vintage coins and ancient shipwreck treasures, these intricately designed medallions feel steeped in history yet thoroughly modern in craftsmanship—much like Granuaile’s story itself. The medallion is a depiction of Granuaile meeting Queen Elizabeth 1st in front of the fire. Grace sailed up the Thames river and demanded a meeting with the then Queen of England, they ended up getting along quite well, when they realised they had so much in common, two independent, female leaders of that time.

• ●  Octopus Ring:

• Imbued with a dash of poetic license, this statement ring imagines an octopus grasping a pirate ship, evoking old pirate films and ancient illustrations of sea beasts. It’s a homage to the untamed mystery of the ocean, a place Granuaile knew all too well. Its cast from a real octopus tentacle, so the detail is incredible.

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• ●  Skulls & Daggers, Bows & Pearls:

• Whether it’s a gold-plated skull-and-swords necklace with sparkling diamond eyes or adelicate bow-and-pearl pendant that conjures images of stashed-away treasure, or reminds you of something Queen Elizabeth the 1st would have worn, these pieces capture both the grit and grace that defined Ireland’s Sea Queen. 

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• ●  Large Pirate Stone Rings:

• Set with rich citrine stones, these rings appear as though they’ve been forged in a 15th-century workshop—heavy with history and brimming with modern flair. 

Each piece in the Grace O’Malley Collection is meticulously crafted in silver or gold and hallmarked in Ireland. From rugged skull motifs to the refined bows and pearls, I’ve designed these creations for anyone who loves a bold story and an even bolder aesthetic. In the spirit of Granuaile, this jewellery speaks to those who find their sense of belonging by the water and revel in charting their own course—whether in life, love, or personal style.

“Every woman should have a little bit of pirate in her soul.” – Jennifer Kinnear

The medallion necklace has this quote engraved into the back of the necklace.

Granuaile’s tale reminds us of the power of passion, bravery, and rebellion—qualities I believe resonate with many women today. I hope this collection inspires you to embrace the Sea Queen’s courage, forging your path without hesitation or apology. 

My Adventures & International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the boundless potential of every woman. Grace O’Malley shatters the image of what a 16th-century female could be, while I like to think my journey—travelling, sailing, designing—also challenges the status quo in smaller but meaningful ways.

Yes, I run a handmade Irish jewellery brand, but behind each piece lies the thrill of exploring coasts in Spain, Ireland, Kenya, Mozambique, Brazil, Morocco and Portugal, the satisfaction of turning raw organic forms into polished items using lost-wax casting, and the absolute joy I see when clients wear their new pieces for the first time. 

An Heirloom for the Brave

Much like Grace O’Malley’s enduring legend, I want each piece to be timeless. My hope is that you’ll pass down these sterling silver, gold-plated, or 9KT gold creations to future generations—each item a tangible reminder of the adventures you’ve lived and those yet to come.

• ●  Lost-Wax Casting: This ancient technique captures every nuance of my ocean finds, preserving the textures and shapes that spark my imagination.

• ●  Anchored in Ireland: Although I love travelling, I cast and hallmark every piece in Ireland, reflecting my roots and the connection to Grace’s own homeland.

  Join Me in Celebrating Women Who Chart Their Own Destiny

  Grace O’Malley may have conquered the seas, but her legacy reminds me that every woman has a horizon to chase. Whether you’re captivated by the sea, the mountains, or simply the everyday beauty around you, I invite you to explore this special collection I’ve created in her honour.

  On this International Women’s Day—and every day—may we continue to live boldly, guided by our dreams, our passions, and an unshakeable belief that there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

  Ready to Set Sail?
  Explore the Grace O’Malley Collection on my website, JenniferKinnear.com, and discover a

  piece that resonates with your own spirit of adventure. If Grace O’Malley’s story reminds us of anything, it’s that we all have the power to script our destinies—wave by wave, choice by choice, design by design. 

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