FAQ's
Who or what is Ola Gorie?
Where is Orkney?
What is Ola Gorie's hallmark history?
Is the jewellery made in Orkney?
Is the jewellery hand made?
What if I have a breakage or fault?
How do I care for my jewellery?
Cleaning
How do I work out my ring size?
How do you take payment?
I am interested in a piece of Ola Gorie jewellery but do not see it on your website.
I am interested in a piece of jewellery but not in the metal options shown.
I would like a pendant but not with the chain/wire option shown.
I would like to be kept informed of Ola Gorie catalogues, promotions etc.
I don’t want my details given to any other companies
Who or what is Ola Gorie?
Ola Gorie is one of Britain's most important jewellery designers of recent times. She was born and still lives in the Orkney Islands.
A pioneer in the 1960s, she explored her Celtic and Norse heritage to find inspiration for stylish, wearable, modern jewellery. Her designs have continued to break new ground, and influence a generation of designers.
Where is Orkney?
Orkney is an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. Made up of approximately 70 islands (some uninhabited) it has a population of around 20,000. The capital is Kirkwall with the other main town called Stromness. Rich in Norse and Celtic heritage, Orkney didn't always belong to the UK. In 1468, Christian 1, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, gave Orkney to Scotland as a marriage dowry between his daughter, Margaret and King James 111.
What is Ola Gorie's hallmark history?
All Ola Gorie jewellery has a hallmark. Over the years, the exact form it takes has evolved –
• OLA - very early hallmark, possibly between 1959 - 1963 (If you see one of these you have a rare vintage piece!)
• OMG - registered 1963
• OG - most recent hallmark. Used from 1990s when our normal usage changed from Ola M Gorie to Ola Gorie.
As well as these hallmarks, all gold and platinum pieces are hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office, as well as some of the larger silver pieces. You will see the distinctive castle hallmark on these pieces
Is the jewellery made in Orkney?
Yes. All of our jewellery is made to the highest standards, mostly by one of the island's finest craftspeople, Karen Duncan, who has been making Ola Gorie jewellery for over nineteen years. From a long line of Orkney boat-builders, Karen is based in her home workshop on a tiny island, a few miles south of Kirkwall over the famous Churchill Barriers.
Is the jewellery hand made?
Our jewellery is made using the 'lost wax casting' method, a technique which dates back to early Celtic times, with every piece then being finished by hand.
What if I have a breakage or fault?
In the first instance contact us directly and we will advise on the next step.
How do I care for my jewellery?
Our jewellery comes with a lifetime guarantee against faults of manufacture, though of course not against normal wear and tear: even precious metals do wear away after decades of use. Like all things, jewellery must be taken care of. This includes from how we wear the jewellery to what it comes into contact with, i.e. perfume, cigarette smoke, chlorine etc. We advise on the following measures –
• Jewellery should be the last thing we put on the and first thing to take off to avoid any earrings, necklaces etc catching on clothing.
• Do not spray jewellery with perfume, deodorant etc.
• Do not go to sleep with your jewellery on.
• Avoid wearing jewellery in the shower, bath, swimming etc
• Take special care with snake chains and wires.
• Ideally our jewellery should be stored in the box that it comes with.
Medications can also cause a reaction when jewellery comes into contact with our skin, as do the natural chemicals in our skin.
Cleaning
We usually recommend using silver or gold dip, available from most jewellers. Dip the jewellery in the solution, (do not leave to soak as this can have an adverse effect on the jewellery and it will need refinishing), rinse in cold water, pat dry with a towel and then to make sure it is completely dry using a hairdryer on a warm setting.
To bring the shine back to polished surfaces use a jewellery cloth.
How do I work out my ring size?
We specify our ring sizes in the UK format, however you will see a link on every ring product page to an international conversion chart. If you do not know your ring size then we suggest you visit your local jeweller who will be able to measure your finger accurately.
Please note all of our ring sizes quoted are 'centre measurement' not 'leading edge'.
How do you take payment?
Once you have entered your details on the secure order form and selected ‘complete order’, payment will then be processed. If for any reason the transaction is unsuccessful a message will appear on the screen informing you of this.
All payments are taken in Pounds Sterling. If your card is registered to a bank overseas then your bank will convert the payment accordingly using their exchange rate plus any other charges that they may apply.
I am interested in a piece of Ola Gorie jewellery but do not see it on your website
The website shows all of our jewellery in the current catalogue. If you do not see the piece you are looking for please contact us. We have an extensive record of old pieces and as long as we have the mould or master then it should be possible to have the piece made. In the first instance we would advise you on a price and timescale.
I am interested in a piece of jewellery but not in the metal options shown
Since the cost for special metals tends to fluctuate we need to provide a quote. Please contact us for further details.
I would like a pendant but not with the chain/wire option shown
Most of our pendants can be supplied with a chain or wire. If your chosen option is not shown please contact us for price and availability.
I would like to be kept informed of Ola Gorie catalogues, promotions etc
If you are not already on our mailing list then we can add your details to our postal or emailing list. We will not bombard you with emails or letters but from time to time we run promotions and we can keep you informed of such things and also when the new catalogue is available. To have your details added to our database please follow the link to 'join our mailing list' which you'll find at the top right of the page or contact us directly.
I don’t want my details given to any other companies
Under no circumstance do we give out customer details to other companies. Once you have placed your order we will contact you (usually by email) to let you know your order status, i.e. the item is in stock and will be posted the following day, or the item is not I stock and we need to quote a despatch date. We will also ask if you would like your details added to our mailing list, if you decline, or do not answer, we will not contact you again.
