Solvar
Founded in 1941 when founder Gustaf (Nicky) Obernik visited Killarney's Gap of Dunloe and was inspired to design Irish jewellery reflecting Ireland’s rich heritage.
He established his business at No. 10 Harcourt Street, Dublin, with just two employees, quickly becoming known for Celtic-inspired pieces. Gustaf was among the first to create brooches from Connemara Marble, unique to Ireland.
In the 1960s, his sons Tony and Nicky joined the company, expanding its reach. Today, his grandson Marcus, who joined in 2002, serves as creative director, continuing the family legacy.
Solvar Trade shows
Solvar participates in various trade shows across Ireland and Europe. The most significant event for both businesses is Showcase Ireland, held at the RDS in Dublin, where we have the opportunity to present our latest collections and meet with regular and new customers.
I am deeply involved in the planning and coordination of graphics for Showcase Ireland. We collaborate with an external company, Exhibit, which handles the printing and installation of our stand. Planning begins two months prior, focusing on the stand's layout and visual impact. In my second year, I evaluated past successes and areas for improvement. My key responsibilities include liaising with Exhibit on design mock ups, choosing flooring, wall colors, lighting, and jewellry display setups.
I also design and print supporting graphics and Point of Sale materials for both new and existing stand concepts.
In my first year with the company, we had several new stands that we were eager to showcase to customers. With a tight deadline, I was entrusted with overseeing the designs. Despite the challenge of being new to the company, the stands were completed on time and met our high expectations. They were well-received by our B2B customers and proved to be highly functional and easy to shop.
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Solvar Annual Catalogue
Each year, I design Solvar’s annual catalogue whis is a key B2B marketing tool that showcases their latest jewellery collections, timeless pieces, and in-store POS displays. Created for trade buyers and retail partners, the catalogue is both a visual celebration of the brand’s heritage and a practical sales asset.
Combining elegant layouts, refined typography, and high-end photography, the catalogue is crafted to reflect the premium quality of Solvar’s products. Every spread is carefully curated to ensure clarity, consistency, and ease of use for clients navigating the full product range.
Key Responsibilities:
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Led concept development and visual direction in alignment with Solvar’s brand identity
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Collaborated with the team to organise product information, imagery, and POS content
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Designed a clear, visually engaging layout that facilitates product discovery and ordering
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Managed feedback rounds, refining the catalogue to meet both marketing and sales objectives
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Delivered final artwork for both print and digital formats, ensuring consistency across platforms
The catalogue plays a vital role in supporting B2B partners by providing a comprehensive and accessible overview of the Solvar range. It simplifies the ordering process, strengthens brand presence in retail settings, and enhances the overall buyer experience.
Solvar Magazine Advertisments
Every year, Solvar advertises in various magazines to promote its brand and products. Two examples include Weir & Sons and Spirit of Ireland, where Solvar showcases its unique, Irish-inspired jewellery collections to reach a wider audience and strengthen its presence in the market.
Solvar Handbook
A company handbook is essential for clearly communicating policies, ensuring consistent treatment of employees, and providing legal protection. It serves as a reference for employees, aids in on boarding, and helps build a positive workplace culture.
After the pandemic, there was a significant shift in how companies operated, and Solvar & NJO were no exception. With new policies on sick leave and flexible working, including remote work options, it became crucial to ensure all employees were informed. The company handbook needed an update, and I was entrusted with the task. I saw this as an opportunity to not only revise the policies but also apply my typography and layout skills to enhance the handbook’s overall design and readability.
Solvar Instagram Posts
Solvar uses Instagram to effectively showcase its visually stunning jewellery, leveraging the platform’s focus on high-quality images to highlight the artistry of its designs. By building brand awareness and engaging with followers through comments, likes, and direct messages, Solvar fosters a strong community around its brand.
Our Instagram is primarily curated by our marketing assistant, but I handle specific posts that require a strong Solvar branding.
Solvar Design
Solvar Design creates bespoke jewellery packaging & stands for customers worldwide. Ranging from The Guinness Store House in Dublin to the CN Tower in Toronto.
These projects are among my favorites. They offer a fantastic opportunity to work on diverse branding challenges for other companies. Whether clients have a clear vision or provide broad briefs, I find it exciting and rewarding to see the complete package—encompassing packaging, product, and stands—come together.
Solvar Point of Sale
A key aspect of my work for Solvar is designing impactful Point of Sale (POS) materials.
A significant part of my role involves designing Point of Sale (POS) materials for Solvar . Since Solvar operates as both a B2B and B2C company, I create POS and marketing materials that not only align with NJO's branding but are also tailored to the branding guidelines of our partner businesses.
History of Ireland Collection
Irish silversmith Michael Hilliar first designed the History of Ireland jewellery collection in 1970, drawing inspiration from the 5th-century carvings adorning Ireland's Celtic high crosses. This beloved collection has now been relaunched in 2025, spotlighting its original symbolic artistry once again. Each piece in the History of Ireland jewellery collection is engraved with 12 symbols representing some of the most important eras in Irish history.
As part of the relaunch, I rebranded the collection with a new logo, colour palette and typography. An example of this branding is in these booklets I designed to explain to customers more about the History of Ireland and what the symbols mean
