The history of the Garrard Jewelry House dates back to the 18th century under the head of the Vikes family, who was favored by William IV, the last British monarch of the Hanover dynasty. Later, Wilhelm’s niece, Victoria, took the throne.
When the future queen of the British Empire was not yet a year old, it was the beginning of the 19th century, the Gerard family bought the jewelry workshop. After a hundred years of successful professional activity, the owner changed his surname to Garrard.
In 1911, both the store and the workshop moved to Albemarle street, No. 24, where they are still located today, maintaining the honorary status of a successful jewelry company with centuries-old traditions.
The unique honorary collection of the jewelry house includes: the engagement ring of Princess Diana, which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, the last two crowns of the British Empire – crowns for Elizabeth II and her father George VI, a scepter with a huge Cullinan I diamond.
Now on the ground floor of the mansion is a luxury boutique. There is a zone for brides, for VIP clients, novelties and a small room for tea drinking. Everything is very cozy and beautiful, despite thousands of carats of perfect diamonds sparkling everywhere.
On the second and third floors there is a designer’s office, management offices and a workshop. The one in which crowns were born and tiaras were born in the 20th century. Kate Middleton’s wedding crown, of course, was also made here. Fans wondered whose family tiara the bride would wear. She resolutely opposed the ghosts of the past: they ordered a new one.
A dozen craftsmen work on jewelry and jewelry in a room under the roof. At the same time, the same employees are engaged in setting both tiny diamonds and huge sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Huge necklaces and small engagement rings travel from workbench to workbench, matte gold frames gradually acquire their gems and brilliance – a daily magic is created that is impossible to get tired of: Garrard craftsmen are sincerely in love with their work.
In 2015, the brand celebrated its 280th anniversary, as the official foundation of the brand dates back to the moment the workshop moved to the London Jewelery District in 1735.
The last couple of years in the old workshop listen to the whisper of jewelry fashion. White gold, diamond lace and platinum still occupy leading positions in the assortment, but geometry in a warm “pink” ligature has found its place here too.
