Ortak is a famous brand of handmade jewellery based in Kirkwall, the Orkney Islands. This jewellery is a mix of contemporary style with ethnic influences. The manufacturing techniques have been handed down over generations and are an amalgamation of great design and craftsmanship.
The late 1960s saw the birth of a modest company in a Kirkwall street founded by Malcolm Gray. Today, the company leads the UK market as one of the best gold and silver jewellery designers and manufacturers.
Ortak jewellery has gained a reputation for being innovative and good value for money, and having good craftsmanship and flawless quality. The company still uses decades old conventional jewellery-making methods in its art workshops. Though the jewellery is sold worldwide the company still retains its premises in the Island’s capital.
Ortak’s designs reflect the company’s Norse and Scottish history but with a contemporary look. Along with a designer and a craftsman, a model maker creates an original piece of jewellery that is known as the master. This master is used in a mould which is high-tech and makes wax replicas. The wax replicas are placed in steel flasks and then filled with investment powder. When the flasks are heated up to 550 degrees centigrade, this evaporates the wax and solidifies the powder making an impression. Molten gold or silver is then poured into the flasks to make the designed jewellery. The piece of jewellery is then hand finished before it is sent across the world.
Ortak has a contemporary and classic range. The classic range comprises jewellery inspired influences including Celtic, Morven, Archibald Knox, Brodgar and Mackintosh. The Celtic designs often have animal motifs, spirals and crosses with intricate knot patterns.
Morven jewellery combines contemporary designs in polished silver and enamel with Scottish patterns inspired by a mythical Gaelic kingdom. Archibald Knox designs are influenced by the countryside and ancient stone crosses with subtle and simple lines reminiscent of the English Art Noveau movement. Gaelic inspired rings include stylish bands signifying love, friendship and loyalty.
Ortak’s contemporary designs are inspired by colours, history and nature. The Arella range is inspired by the tropical plants in the Garden of Eden. Mimosa uses polished silver and glass enamel to signify distant plants and sunset. Carina is inspired by stars in various constellations. The Decade collection has a flawless black onyx set in polished silver. There are diamonds too set in gold or silver. Ortak also has a range of jewellery which combines the traditional silver with multicoloured glass beads or crystals to give it a modern look.
Ortak has many such ranges. The exquisite pieces of jewellery come in a fabulous presentation boxes. Ortak jewellery is ideal as a gift to make someone feel really special.
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