ORRO Contemporary Jewellery
- Contemporary Jewellery 49 Bank Street Glasgow G12 8NF - Tel 357 6999
Find out about Orro's great new venture in the Merchant City
One of my favourite shops in the West End is ORRO. It opened in Christmas 1997 and immediately contributed to the festive spirit with its brilliant array of tempting contemporary jewellery. You cannot fail to notice ORRO, standing at the corner of Bank Street and Cowan Street in Hillhead, it has immediate impact with its golden paint and striking wrought iron work. You are drawn to the window displays and they are not disappointing with a fantastic range of beautifully arranged contemporary jewellery.
Step inside and you will find something quite, quite different - every inch speaks of class and contemporary design, however, you will find the ambience welcoming and friendly and you can happily browse around examining and admiring the wonderful and varied creations. Be warned! from the minute you step inside you will be planning how to acquire some of the lovely and irresistible pieces. The bangles, rings and pendants are exquisite and unique - platinum, gold, diamonds and talent have been combined to produce the most captivating pieces. Some have even been to the OSCARS - Jenny Shircore, who won awards for Hair and Make Up in the film Elizabeth, commissioned jewellery from Graeme McColm which she wore to both the OSCARS and BAFTA Award Ceremonies.
Graeme and Neil Smith are the owners of ORRO and when they set up their partnership and moved into their shop in Banks Street it was their aim to create an outlet for contemporary high quality jewellery outwith the daunting private gallery arena. Neither Graeme nor Neil are originally from Glasgow - Graeme hails from Galloway in the Scottish Borders and Neil is from Perth, however they were keen to establish their business in the West End.
After completing his studies at Duncan of Jordonstone, College of Art in Dundee Graeme became successful working as a designer producing his own range of contemporary jewellery. There was tremendous demand for his work, however, he was keen to create more exposure for his range in a setting where customers would feel comfortable and relaxed. By combining his talent with Neil’s business acumen, artistic flair and marketing skills a well balanced and enthusiastic partnership has been struck.
Neil’s background is in acting - he trained with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. After graduating he enjoyed some success as an actor but knew that to go further he would have to move to London but he was unwilling to leave Glasgow. He decided to channel his creativity in a new direction and together with Graeme has thrown himself wholeheartedly into the creation of ORRO, which is an illustration of their ability, enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.
This is a shop with personality: they have really made it their own and recount how they ‘gutted’ the shop from top to bottom, painted walls, stained floors and channelled their creativity into its wonderful design.
According to Graeme “ORRO is filling a big gap in the market for contemporary jewellery”. Apart from providing a showcase for Graeme's work it is an outlet for a whole range of prestigious designers: In Glasgow they are the only stockist of Jess James designs including the much sought after 'Prayer Rings'. (Euan McGregor wears one as his wedding ring). A vote of confidence has been provided by Diana Porter (Designer of the Year, 1999) who has chosen ORRO as her preferred outlet in Glasgow. Graeme and Neil have decided upon a policy of stocking both the work of well known designers and also creating an opportunity for up and coming designers to showcase their work - this combination makes for a varied, vibrant and interesting collection.March, 2000 A major opportunity has been provided by the prestigious German Company Niessing; amongst the foremost and most innovative jewellery manufacturers. Graeme describes their work as "combining design, science and artistry". The company has designed The Abacus Ring for Expo 2000 - the Neissing Akabus: you will have the opportunity to purchase these fantastic rings from Orro - chosen by Niessing as their only Scottish dealers. http://www.niessing.com
Despite its youthfulness ORRO is clearly making its mark in a number of arenas - it has attracted considerable attention from the Press and has been featured in various publications including: The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday, The Herald and The Sunday Post. A number of magazines have also heaped praise upon the shop - The List, Woman’s Journal, Homes and Interiors Scotland and is also included in Marie Claire's Global Shopping Guide.
A steady and regular clientele has been built up and they have some far travelled satisfied customers; including a gallery owner from Royal Berkshire who returned to the shop to make a number of purchases, with a friend in tow and a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate her discovery of ORRO. Graeme and Neil point out that there are always new customers coming along and everyone is made welcome - “We are also children friendly”.
Some of Neil’s contacts with Theatre and Television have been invaluable in opening up opportunities for some very interesting ventures. Stock from ORRO has been used for jewellery accessorizing in a number of BBC and Channel 4 productions including: ‘Young Persons Guide to becoming a Rock Star' - BBC and Channel 4’s adaptation of Iain Bank’s ‘Complicity’.
Graeme and Neil are very proud that ORRO is the only shop in Scotland to be identified as 'Crafts Council Selected' by the Crafts Council of Great Britain. This award is normally associated with galleries. The West End shop certainly deserves accolades to be heaped upon it. This little gem is sparkling bright and I fully expect it to continue to shine within National and International circles.
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