Own Art: Orro Jewellers

Orro is an independent jewellery boutique in the centre of Glasgow, and is now involved with the Own Art scheme. We find out more...

Feature by Alexandra Fiddes | 09 Jan 2015

Opened in 1997, in a small premises in the West End of Glasgow, ORRO aimed to become a platform from which to showcase contemporary jewellery that showed exemplary design, was made from high quality materials and exhibited exquisite worksmanship – and has now become part of the Own Art scheme.

In under a year, ORRO became the very first jewellers that stocked soley contemporary pieces to be selected by the (then-named) Scottish Arts Council and the Crafts Council of Great Britain. Shortly after, the famed German manufacturer Niessing – who created the iconic Tension Ring – chose ORRO to be their only stockist in Scotland (and one of only a very select few in the UK). 

Shortly after, a steadily increasing number of renowned European brands and designers became involved; they include Hanne Behrens (Denmark), Hilde Leiss, Henrich & Denzel, Angela Hubel (Germany), Andre Ribeiro (France) Marcim Zaremski (Poland) and also Yvonne Gilhooly (from Scotland) amongst many others.  This impressive line-up of designers is one of the reasons ORRO stands out in Scotland.

In 2001, ORRO moved to a new store in the city centre, which perfectly complements the aesthetic of its jewellery: modern, minimal and with clean lines.

In the lead up to Christmas, their featured jewellery artist is Duisburg-based Tanja Friedrichs, whose work is made from whitened or oxidised silver, gold or palladium white gold wire. Her Quiril range is especially covetable, with rings and bracelets made from multiple loops of metal, whose movable parts make them extremely tactile and invite the wearer to interact with the piece.

Now that ORRO is one of the Own Art scheme members, they are able to offer interest free loans on the stunning work that they stock, everything from £100 to a maximum of £2,500 – whether that's for a Tanja Friedrichs piece for a loved one's stocking this Christmas or you're planning on getting down on one knee as the fireworks go off this Hogmanay, but don't fancy stumping up all the cash all at once... Find out more online, or in person. 

12 Wilson St, Glasgow G1 1SS 0141 552 7888 orro.co.uk http://ownart.org.uk