More
Information on the Ortak:
Ortak produces jewellery collections for all styles and markets.
For 40 years jewellery has been designed and produced in Hatston, Kirkwall,
the Capital of the Orkney Isles off Northern Scotland, the home of Ortak,and operated by Alistair Gray the founders
son.
Ortak
designers use modern technology and their dedicated research of history and fashion to create gold and silver Jewellery
collections. This benefits our customers who can be assured that Ortak Jewellery is always at the contemporary leading edge
and authentic to its design roots.
More Info on Ortak's Jewellery
Design Process:
Model
Making:
This
process is carried out by Ortak's craftsmen using techniques and methods handed down over decades. The final master is the
result of close cooperation between designer and craftsman - giving the piece a real hand crafted pedigree. The designers
concept and drawings are used by the Modelmaker to create the original piece of Jewellery - known as the 'Master'.
Moulding:
When
the master piece of Jewellery is complete, it is used to make a high-tech mould, which in turn is used to make wax replicas
of the Jewellery.
Casting:
The
wax replicas are placed in steel flasks which are then filled with investment powder and the flasks are heated in a furnace
to 550°C which solidifies the powder and evaporates the wax leaving behind a perfect impression. Molten gold or silver is
then poured into the flasks, allowed to cool, then dismantled to reveal the Jewellery in casting form.
Finishing:
These
castings which are perfect replicas of the original masters are then hand finished to Ortak's high standards - adding fittings
and settings before being dispatched to all corners of the world.
Historical Information
on Saint Andrew Patron Saint of Scotland and the Saltire:
The story of St. Andrew is a complex one, with different versions
and interpretations
St Andrew was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and he lived and worked as a fisherman in
Galilee. He was the brother of Peter, another of Christ’s disciples.
After Christ’s crucifixion, one version of the legend is that Andrew went to Greece to
preach Christianity, where he was crucified for his beliefs at a place called Patras, on a cross
in the form of an X.
One legend says that a man who later became St. Regulus (or Rule) carried the bones of St. Andrew
to Scotland. His ship was wrecked on the Fife coast, and the spot at which the ship landed became the site of the town of
St. Andrews. A cathedral was built there which was started in 1160 and took 158 years to build (the ruins can still be seen
today) and the town became an important site of Christian pilgrimage.
Another legend has it that two monks from the North of England went to Rome and brought
back the relics of St. Andrew. One of the monks passed the relics on to the reigning king in Scotland
at the time - Angus McFergus who became king in 731.
Again there are different legends surrounding the use of the Saltire as Scotland’s flag.
Some people say that Angus dreamt one night that St. Andrew appeared to him and promised him a
great victory. Angus was about to fight a battle with another king from the North of England, and this dream made him believe
that the Scots would win. On the day of the battle a white cross appeared in the sky and Angus did win - this is why the flag
of Scotland is sky blue with a white cross. The battle was at a place called Athelstaneford in the year 831.
The other version says that Angus was walking with some friends when St. Andrew appeared to him
and told him that when he marched against his enemies he would see the white cross. So Angus had
banners made for his soldiers to carry to battle with the white cross on them.
One of the first times that Andrew is recognised officially as the patron saint of Scotland was
at the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This was a declaration signed by many of the Scottish noblemen, as
well as Robert the Bruce, asserting Scotland’s independence from England.
St. Andrew’s Day
St Andrew’s Day is celebrated
on the 30th November.
Information on Archibald Knox 1864 - 1933, a leader in the Art Noveau movement:
A
leading light the Art Nouveau movement.
Archibald Knox was born 2 April 1864 at Cronkbourne (Tromode) on the Isle of
Man. His father William Knox was a master machine maker from Ayr in Scotland. During his formative years he attended elementary
and grammar schools at the islands capital Douglas and then from 1878 to 1883 the Douglas School of Art. It was here,
under the guidance of the headmaster he became fascinated by the ancient Celtic and Norse crosses which appear all over the
Island. Their intertwining designs were to provide the inspiration for the many patterns, which he later used in his designs
for Liberty and Co.
The years that followed were very productive. In 1887 Knox gained 1st Class examination result
in 'Principles of Ornament' and Passed an examination in 'Design'. 1884-1888 was spent Teaching Art at Douglas School of Art.
On 21 December 1889 Knox Gained his Art Master's Certificate. His next notable achievement was a Group I 1892 Medallist in
Historic Ornament (Design). Knox specialised in Celtic ornament. September1893 Knox Published "Ancient Crosses in the Isle
of Man" in The Builder.
It
was in 1897 that Knox left the Isle of Man to teach at Redhill School of Art in Surrey. Around this time Liberty's began experimenting
with pewter production as well as their own line of silver jewellery. Knox was probably contacted by Liberty around 1893 by
Scott who designed fabrics for the company. During the years of his association with Liberty's he produced hundreds of original
ideas and seemed at ease with any material that he was working with, be it silver, gold, pewter, enamels, ceramics or textiles.
Knox transformed these diverse materials into practical items of exquisite beauty. During his time in the London area Archibald
Knox taught at Redhill and also Kingston School of Art and at Wimbledon Art School, Knox left London and returned to Isle
of Man in August 1912 after examiners complained about the style of his teaching at South Kensington.
Later
that year Knox leaves England for Philadelphia where he was the founder of the 'Knox Guild of Craft & Design'. While living
in Philadelphia (1912 -1913) Knox does carpet designs for Bromley & Co and also teaches at Pennsylvania School of Industrial
Arts. It was in 1913 that Knox returned to the Isle of Man to commence teaching. During the four war years 1914-1918 Knox
works as a censor in the Aliens' Detention Camp at Knockaloe, near Peel, Isle of Man. After the First World War he painted
and taught art at Douglas High School, Isle of Man. Knox spent the summer of 1924 in Ravenna in Italy to studying frescoes.
In 1926 National Gallery of Ottawa, Canada hold a one-man exhibition of his paintings. The last years of his life were spent
teaching both full and part time at schools in Douglas.
Knox
died from heart failure on 22 February 1933 and his gravestone, originally designed by Knox for one of the Quayle family,
but because of a family disagreement and Knox's sudden death it was thought fitting to use one of his designs for his own
grave.
Stirling Silver's Full Terms and Conditions:
We want to make your shopping experience easy and comfortable,
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Returns Policy
From the date of shipment, you have 30 days to evaluate your purchase. Provided
it has not been damaged, used or worn* (other than to put on for size) and no labels have been removed, you may
return it in its original packaging for a full refund, or exchange at your discretion.
*(this excludes earrings, which for hygiene reasons are not returnable)
Please note that we will refund our original shipping charges or the costs
of your return (e.g. postage or re-import duties) only if the goods are in some way faulty. For other returns you will be
responsible for all return costs, including any re-importation duties or other taxes.
We can only refund to the same credit card used for purchase; if this has
expired, refunds will be by bank transfer or cheque in AUD$ only.
Important: if you do wish to return an item, please contact us to make arrangements
before sending it. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary costs to yourself, as well as extra delays.
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