Garrard: The World’s Oldest Jewellery House
If you’ve ever admired the British Crown Jewels — or the sapphire engagement ring worn first by Princess Diana and now by the Princess of Wales — you’ve admired the work of Garrard. Founded in London in 1735 by master silversmith George Wickes, Garrard is widely regarded as the oldest jewellery house in the world, with nearly three centuries of unbroken craftsmanship behind every piece it creates today.
Jeweller to the Crown
Garrard’s story is inseparable from British royal history. In 1843, Queen Victoria appointed the house as the first-ever official Crown Jeweller, a role it held for more than 160 years. During that time, Garrard was entrusted with the care of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and created some of the most famous objects on earth: the Imperial State Crown, Queen Mary’s coronation crown, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, remodelled in 1910 to hold the 530-carat Cullinan I — still the largest colourless cut diamond in existence.
The royal thread runs right up to the present day. The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, seen in Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on British banknotes, is a Garrard creation, as is the Lover’s Knot Tiara often worn by the Princess of Wales. Most famous of all is the sapphire and diamond cluster engagement ring chosen by Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 — arguably the most recognisable ring in the world.
From Royal Vaults to Real Life
Garrard today is far more than a museum piece. From its flagship on Albemarle Street in Mayfair — its home since 1911 — the house creates contemporary fine jewellery that draws directly on its archive. The 1735 collection reimagines the iconic cluster setting of Diana’s ring; the Albemarle and Wings collections translate heritage motifs into modern, wearable pieces spotted everywhere from Wimbledon to the red carpet, worn by names such as Beyoncé and the stars of Bridgerton.
The house is also celebrated for its bespoke service, where clients work directly with Garrard’s design team — notably an all-female team designing with modern women in mind — to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings and high jewellery. And in a lovely nod to its history, every Garrard engagement ring carries a small sapphire hidden within the band.
Beyond jewellery, Garrard’s silversmithing legacy lives on in some of sport’s greatest trophies, including the America’s Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy.
Why Garrard Matters
Few jewellers can claim genuine history; Garrard is history. Its pieces combine impeccable British craftsmanship, responsibly sourced gemstones and a provenance no other house can match. Whether you’re commissioning a bespoke ring, investing in a heritage-inspired jewel or simply visiting the Mayfair flagship to try on tiara-adjacent glamour, Garrard offers something genuinely rare: jewellery with a royal pedigree you can actually wear.
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