Shopping
10 Things We Love About Garrard
The first official Crown Jeweller has been hanging baubles on the great and the good since 1735.
As we gear up for the coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, we look at a British jeweller that shines as bright as the diamonds in its tiaras. There is much to love about the brand, with its rich heritage, Mayfair shop and global presence. Here, we list its finer points.
We love that master silversmith George Wickes founded Garrard as far back as 1735. It has survived, undaunted under different owners, to this day.
We love that Garrard created many of the tiaras and jewels that the Royal Family continues to wear in the 21st century, including Queen Mary’s Bandeau Tiara, which Meghan Markle wore at her wedding to Prince Harry.
We love that, although the jeweller is ancient, it tries to stay relevant, hiring such creative directors as Jade Jagger, from 2000 to 2007, and Sara Prentice, who says: ‘Our [modern] designs often consist of a Garrard motif, which holds inspiration from Royal jewels that Garrard has created. This means that every piece is a nod to our history.’
We love that each Garrard jewel is made by hand in the London workshop, where cutting-edge technology meets time-honoured artisanal techniques.
We love that Garrard is committed to sourcing its materials responsibly and ethically. They say: ‘We believe that sustainability makes our business stronger. It underpins everything we do, from how we source our silver, gold and gemstones to our supplier charter, which ensures our partners’ practices and priorities are in line with our own.’
We love that the jeweller crafted many prominent sporting trophies such as the Americas Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, the Premier League trophy and a number for Royal Ascot.
We love that Garrard made the diamond and sapphire engagement ring that the then Prince Charles gave to Diana in 1981 and that the Princess of Wales wears today. The stunning ring, a 12-karat oval Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, was inspired by a brooch that Prince Albert commissioned for his bride-to-be in 1840.
We love the fact that another of their iconic designs is the Heart of the Ocean necklace that features so prominently in the movie, Titanic. Because it was only used as a prop, it was made of cubic zirconia.
We love that Queen Victoria made Garrard the first official crown jeweller in 1843. That historic responsibility was theirs until 2007. The role involved the meticulous care, including cleaning and repair, of the crown jewels in the Tower of London.
We love that Garrard, the oldest jewellery brand in the world, has an all-female design team.
By Becky Ladenburg
March 2023
ONE
We love that master silversmith George Wickes founded Garrard as far back as 1735. It has survived, undaunted under different owners, to this day.
TWO
We love that Garrard created many of the tiaras and jewels that the Royal Family continues to wear in the 21st century, including Queen Mary’s Bandeau Tiara, which Meghan Markle wore at her wedding to Prince Harry.
THREE
We love that, although the jeweller is ancient, it tries to stay relevant, hiring such creative directors as Jade Jagger, from 2000 to 2007, and Sara Prentice, who says: ‘Our [modern] designs often consist of a Garrard motif, which holds inspiration from Royal jewels that Garrard has created. This means that every piece is a nod to our history.’
FOUR
We love that each Garrard jewel is made by hand in the London workshop, where cutting-edge technology meets time-honoured artisanal techniques.
FIVE
We love that Garrard is committed to sourcing its materials responsibly and ethically. They say: ‘We believe that sustainability makes our business stronger. It underpins everything we do, from how we source our silver, gold and gemstones to our supplier charter, which ensures our partners’ practices and priorities are in line with our own.’
SIX
We love that the jeweller crafted many prominent sporting trophies such as the Americas Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, the Premier League trophy and a number for Royal Ascot.
SEVEN
We love that Garrard made the diamond and sapphire engagement ring that the then Prince Charles gave to Diana in 1981 and that the Princess of Wales wears today. The stunning ring, a 12-karat oval Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, was inspired by a brooch that Prince Albert commissioned for his bride-to-be in 1840.
EIGHT
We love the fact that another of their iconic designs is the Heart of the Ocean necklace that features so prominently in the movie, Titanic. Because it was only used as a prop, it was made of cubic zirconia.
NINE
We love that Queen Victoria made Garrard the first official crown jeweller in 1843. That historic responsibility was theirs until 2007. The role involved the meticulous care, including cleaning and repair, of the crown jewels in the Tower of London.
TEN
We love that Garrard, the oldest jewellery brand in the world, has an all-female design team.
By Becky Ladenburg
March 2023
Read More
Becky Ladenburg
Features Editor
As The Guide's features editor, Becky has her discerning finger on the cultural pulse. She's also our go-to expert on the property market.
FIND OUT MORE