When we think of Hawke’s Bay, images of sun-soaked vine-lined plains and rugged ocean waves crashing against exposed cliff faces spring to mind. But if you travel just a short distance inland into the quaint Deco streets of Napier you’ll find a jewellery store that is, in and of itself, a family heirloom: McClurgs Jewellers—a brand with a 110-year legacy deeply rooted in the region. Here, you’ll find the current generation of McClurgs leading this inherited business into its next phase of life.
Design director and former Naveya & Sloane jewellery designer Olivia Moor and director Hamish McClurg unite to create a collection that captures both timeless tradition and the allure of the new. In this exclusive conversation below, they reveal the story behind their collaboration, exploring the art of crafting symbols of love that resonate with contemporary couples while honouring a storied past that spans four generations.
In conversation with Olivia Moor and Hamish McClurg:
Let’s get up to speed. Please tell us a bit about you, your background and your career to date:
Hamish: Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, I grew up immersed in the family business, which I’m extremely passionate about. I studied Design at Otago University. I worked in exploration in the mining industry for four years, which gave me insights into the full circle of mining precious gold and gemstones all the way to the consumer as a piece of jewellery.
Olivia: As a kid I was never far from a craft table and have loved making and creating for as long as I can remember. After studying design at university, I worked for various design companies and entered the jewellery industry when I was 22. Working in various roles from design to marketing and manufacturing over the last 12 years, I have a holistic perspective and appreciation of the craft from design inception to final polish.
McClurgs Jewellers has a history spanning 110 years—how does it feel to be part of such a longstanding family legacy in jewellery, Hamish? Did you know you would always return to the family business?
Hamish: I feel very proud to continue McClurg’s legacy. It’s a privilege to carry on what Leonard, Allen and David have built and contribute to a legacy that’s deeply rooted in Hawke’s Bay. Growing up around the store and workshop, I was immersed in the trade from a young age, so in many ways, it feels natural to be here. While I explored other avenues, I think I always knew I’d return to McClurgs. There’s something special about continuing the family tradition and being able to bring my own perspective to our business and designs while honouring the values and heritage that McClurgs has always stood for.
Olivia, after years designing with Naveya & Sloane and taking time off for family, what inspired you to partner with McClurgs and re-enter the jewellery world with this new engagement collection?
Olivia: Earlier this year I was introduced to Hamish at my sister’s wedding. I had been familiar with McClurg’s for a number of years and had a great respect for their century-plus tenure in the industry. Hamish and I connected at the wedding over a mutual passion for jewellery and when Hamish shared their vision for the future, I was excited about the prospect of being involved. The timing was perfect, and our creative partnership began!
How did you both come to see the potential for a collaboration, and what was it about each other’s approach or style that made this partnership feel right?
Hamish: It was some great timing and a quick chat and we were flying. I saw the potential for a collab because our styles, while distinct, both reflect the values that McClurgs Jewellers stands for: heritage, quality, and authenticity. I’ve always admired Olivia’s approach to design; she has a fresh, modern perspective that brings something unique to the table, and which complements our heritage-focused approach. Her creativity and exceptional eye for detail paired with my perspective on McClurgs’ legacy allowed us the creative licence to envision a collection that blends tradition with contemporary design.
Olivia: Hamish has an exciting vision for the future of McClurgs and I was inspired by his plan to take their 110 year old family business to a new stage. Without an in-house creative lead, there was an opportunity for external support in the design space. The open canvas provided an exciting opportunity to paint the future of McClurg’s design aesthetic and it felt like a natural collaboration to bring our strengths together.
How have you both balanced the brand’s traditional roots with the fresh, modern touches in this engagement collection?
Olivia: We have focused on building a core collection that showcases traditional design forms with contemporary touches. The collection takes on a minimal approach where the silhouettes are classic and easy to wear. Within the intricacies of the designs, we have been able to build icons that connect to the roots of McClurgs, taking inspiration from McClurg’s birth region, Hawke’s Bay.
Engagement jewellery is such a personal choice. What key details or design elements have you focused on to make these pieces feel timeless yet distinctive for today’s couples?
Olivia: We wanted to create a timeless collection that was easy to wear and care for. Through a range of delicate and bold forms, we have been able to create a collection that speaks to a broad audience. We feel as though there is something for everyone in this collection (and the design series to come). From delicate solitaires, to feminine halos and bold three stones, there truly is a design for every taste and style.
Hamish: We really wanted to create a collection that was distinctly McClurgs, but with a contemporary edge and acknowledging our Art Deco heritage. We incorporated design details inspired by the natural beauty of Hawke’s Bay to bring a sense of place and story to each ring. These personal touches such as “Four Valley Basket” motif – which references the coastlines surrounding Hawke’s Bay, and the “Twin Bands,” which symbolises Te Mata Peak and the Heretaunga Plains gives a nod to tradition, while subtle twists keep the designs fresh, which we think will resonate with today’s couples. Options for metal types and diamonds through our “made to order” service provides flexibility for couples to align with their values and preferences, making each piece feel truly tailored to them.
This collection will be released in three drops across different seasons—can you give us a glimpse into how the collection will evolve, and what clients can expect with each new launch?
Olivia: We are excited to expand this collection beyond engagement, creating strong narratives within our design series that can translate into beautiful pieces of fine jewellery. The expansion will include earrings, bracelets and pendants to mark special occasions and celebrations. We also have a few new engagement design series up our sleeve which we are very excited to share!
Hamish, what does McClurgs’ 110th anniversary mean to you, and how do you hope this collection will contribute to the next chapter in the brand’s story?
Hamish: Our 110th anniversary is deeply meaningful to me—it’s a celebration of the generations before us, who built McClurg’s with dedication and love for craftsmanship. It’s a milestone that honours our family legacy and the community and clients who have trusted us with their most cherished moments over the years. The 1914 collection represents the next chapter of McClurg’s story: recognising our heritage and looking to the future. We’ll continue to make meaningful, timeless pieces with enduring craftsmanship with the next generation and extend our legacy that’s been so integral to Hawke’s Bay.
For both of you, how does creating engagement jewellery feel different from other types of design work, and what are the most rewarding aspects of creating these meaningful pieces?
Hamish: Many types of jewellery have an emotional connection to the wearer, but there’s something really beautiful about an engagement ring, and what that represents to the people giving and receiving – one of the biggest milestones of someone’s life. So, designing engagement rings requires us to think beyond aesthetics – we focus on creating something that is unique and timeless. The most rewarding aspect is knowing that the rings we design will become part of someone’s big moment. The stories we hear, and the feedback we receive (about how much they love their ring) from proposals is very fun and rewarding.
Olivia: I love the intricate detailing when designing jewellery. When you work with other forms of design, it is a totally different scale, but when designing jewellery, even half a millimetre can make a difference. I love working in a collaborative environment too where you can marry design with function through knowledge of jewellery artisans.
How do you find work/life balance in your career? Is there anything you do to de-stress or prioritise your own wellbeing?
Hamish: I manage to keep a good work/life balance by being intentional about how I structure my time. I’m not really one to get stressed. I generally stay pretty calm and focused, even when things get busy. Family and friends come first, training and hot/cold therapy keep both my body and mind in a balanced state.
Olivia: I have my daughter at home with me full time, which can make it challenging to balance the commitments of being a mum with workload. I am so lucky to have a supportive partner who can help share the load and an amazing family network who also offers a helping hand. I try to work out daily even if it is just a 30 minute work and ensure I set time aside for things that bring me joy.
For anyone who may be considering choosing or buying an engagement ring, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for them to consider?
Hamish: Every relationship is different, and so is each engagement ring journey. Often we have couples come in together to choose a design (which is low-risk for the proposer) and sometimes just the proposee! If you’re going the traditional route with a surprise proposal, I’d suggest doing a little homework, maybe chat with a few close friends or family members and connect with a trusted jeweller for guidance.
Olivia: Don’t overthink it! There are so many design options it can all feel a bit overwhelming, but the gesture of proposing itself is so special! It is great to work with a trusted jeweller who can support you through the design journey and ask the right questions to ensure the design suits your partner’s style.
Quick-fire questions
The most cherished item in my home is… HM: My family signet ring. OM: Earrings gifted by my partner at the birth of my daughter.
Best place for coffee in Napier is… Hapi
A restaurant I return to often… Craggy Range
Current favourite dish on the menu… King fish
My next holiday destination… HM: Mexico in Feb. OM: I am so ready for a trip to the med!
Best fashion purchase recently… OM: My Tibi Jeans
My guilty pleasure TV show or movie is… HM: Masterchef. OM: 60 Minutes
Three beauty products I can’t live without… OM: Emma Lewisham Reset Serum, Gisou hair oil, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat
