Garrard & Co.

Garrard & Co. is a British jewellery house and silversmith with a history deeply intertwined with the British monarchy. Founded in 1735, it holds the distinction of being the first official Crown Jeweller of the United Kingdom, a role it maintained for nearly two centuries. Renowned for crafting and maintaining numerous iconic pieces of regalia, the company operates from its flagship Mayfair boutique in London, creating high-end jewellery, silverware, and timepieces for a global clientele.

History

The company's origins trace back to 1735 when master silversmith George Wickes established a workshop in London. Under Wickes, the firm gained patronage from Frederick, Prince of Wales, and other figures within the Georgian era. In 1802, the business was acquired by Robert Garrard, who had been a partner, and it was renamed Garrard & Co. The firm's pivotal moment came in 1843 when Queen Victoria appointed it as the first official Crown Jeweller, a position formalizing its service to the British royal family. This role involved the creation, maintenance, and security of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, including pieces like the Imperial State Crown. For 162 years, through the reigns of monarchs from Edward VII to Elizabeth II, the company was responsible for major royal commissions and alterations to the regalia. In 2007, the Crown Jeweller appointment passed to G. Collins & Sons, though Garrard & Co. retains its status as a former holder and continues its royal associations.

Products and services

Garrard & Co. designs and manufactures an exclusive range of luxury goods, primarily focusing on fine jewellery and silverware. Its jewellery collections often feature precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, set in platinum and gold. The company is also famed for its heritage in silversmithing, producing items like christening gifts, trophies, and ceremonial objects. Alongside these, it offers a selection of timepieces and engagement rings, with the latter category popularized by its iconic designs. Services include bespoke commission, jewellery repair, and redesign, leveraging the skills of its in-house master craftsmen in its London workshop.

Royal warrants

The company's long-standing relationship with the British monarchy is evidenced by its historic holding of multiple royal warrants. It served as Crown Jeweller to successive sovereigns from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II, effectively acting as the official jeweller and goldsmith to the Crown. While the specific Crown Jeweller warrant is no longer held, Garrard & Co. has been a warrant holder as jewellers and silversmiths to other members of the royal family, including Charles III (when Prince of Wales) and Anne, Princess Royal. These warrants signify a continued supply of goods or services to the royal households.

Notable commissions

Throughout its history, the firm has been entrusted with creating and modifying some of the world's most famous jewels and objects. Its most significant commission was the creation of the Imperial State Crown in 1937 for the coronation of George VI, which was later altered for Elizabeth II. The company also crafted the Cullinan I and Cullinan II diamonds into the Sceptre with the Cross and the Imperial State Crown, respectively. Other renowned works include the Marlborough Diamond Tiara, the Halo Tiara worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, and the Vladimir Tiara (later altered by other jewellers). Beyond tiaras, Garrard produced the America's Cup in 1848, the Victoria Cross in 1856, and numerous pieces for international clients and aristocracy.

Corporate affairs

The company has undergone several changes in ownership and structure since the 20th century. It was acquired by the Asprey group before being purchased in 1998 by Boodle and Dunthorne. In 2000, it was bought by Jade Jagger and a consortium, who relocated its main showroom to Albemarle Street in Mayfair. Since 2006, Garrard & Co. has been owned by the private equity group Yucaipa Companies. The firm's creative direction has been led by figures such as Jade Jagger and, since 2014, Sara Prentice. It maintains its flagship London boutique and operates through select international retailers, upholding its legacy as one of Britain's oldest and most distinguished jewellery houses.

Category:Jewellery companies of the United Kingdom Category:Companies based in the City of Westminster Category:Silversmithing companies Category:Royal Warrant holders of the British Royal Family