Karen Duncan Jewellery

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Karen Duncan Jewellery

Jewellery handcrafted and designed in Orkney. Special commissions, remodelling and repairs welcome.

I was born and grew up in Burray, one of the southern isles of Orkney. Burray is connected to the rest of the Orkney mainland by three of the four Churchill Barriers built during World War 2. The island is just 4 x 2 miles in size and has a population of approx. 400 people. It was in this setting, while still at school, I started making jewellery with the internationally renowned Professor David H

odge who had retired to live here in Burray. My hobby grew into a passion and then a full time profession spanning over 30 years with the well known jewellery designer Ola Gorie. My experience in the jewellery industry has varied from traditional bench skills to modern design and production processes. My workshop is beautifully situated overlooking Scapa Flow and my influences for my own jewellery comes from a variety of areas including the natural world and Orkney’s heritage. Where I live has a rich array of flora and fauna which also offers an abundance of visual source material which I like to incorporate into my designs. My own jewellery has recently received the accolade of being accepted into The Guild of Master Craftsmen, making me the first jewellery designer/maker in Orkney to have achieved this. The Guild is an association which recognises the high standard of craftsmanship that artisans engaged in craft, art, trade, profession or vocation have attained. The Guild also exists to safeguard the interests of both craftsmen and the public which they serve.

08/05/2026

Our resident Orkney Viking Kinlay from Orkney Uncovered . Looking great love the beard Kinlay. . . .

05/05/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX7M3SpCEqW/?igsh=aDg0ZWE5bGlwaWZp

18/04/2026

An Ola Gorie fan recently asked on this page about Ola's teacher and friend, David Hodge. David taught Ola at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen in the 1950s, resulting in her becoming the first jewellery design graduate of that august institution. After retirement, David and his lovely wife Tina moved to Burray in Orkney, and remained firm friends with Ola and her family as long as he lived - which was a wonderfully long time.

David passed on his knowledge, skills, and passion for good jewellery to others too, not least Karen Duncan, who has been the key craftsperson behind Ola Gorie for many years, as well as making her own distinctive designs.

Here's a photo of David from about 2005, wearing a Moberg hat, designed and crocheted by famed photographer Gunnie Moberg, and sold around the world by Ola's daughter Ingrid, and her knitwear company, Tait & Style. (Gunnie took the photo too.)

What a coming together of creative people!

15/03/2026

Huge shout out to my mum this Mother's Day.
You have been my inspiration and my biggest fan.
Thank you for believing in me and making all my adventures so memorable.
❤️ makes a guest appearance

08/03/2026

International women's day 2026

To recognise and give thanks for all the support and encouragement from the women in my life, you help make possible.

11/02/2026

creativity has been on overdrive today. lol thank you x

31/01/2026

Every cloud has a silver lining!!!

When I am getting my Block pendants ready for an order, it makes me feel so productive when I see that cloud.

19/01/2026

Visible with the naked eye from the top of Burray tonight. . . . Got to love Orkney skies.

03/01/2026

Not seen so much snow here on Burray for a long time, have to admit it is beautiful to see.
The dogs are loving it.
Stay warm and safe.

31/12/2025

Happy Hogmanay, everyone!

Thank you for all your support over the year. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings 🥂.

05/12/2025

We will all be at the Kirkwall Grammar school this weekend, pop in, and get into the Christmas spirit.
Doors open at

Address

Kirkwall

Website

http://www.karenduncanjewellery.com/

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