Boodles
Wainwright family (private) · United Kingdom
Boodles is a British luxury jeweller that traces its history to 1798, when it was founded as Kirk & Co. in Hull. It is a privately held company led by the Wainwright family and based in Liverpool.
| Founded | 1798 (as Kirk & Co., Hull) |
|---|---|
| Owner | Wainwright family (private) |
| Headquarters | Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| Flagship | Bond Street, London (2007) |
| Segment | Jewellery |
| Website | boodles.com |
What is Boodles?
Boodles is a British fine and bespoke jeweller, privately held by the Wainwright family. According to Wikipedia, the business began as Kirk & Co. in Hull in 1798, and its headquarters, Boodles House, is on the corner of Lord Street and North John Street in Liverpool.
History
Henry Wainwright took over the Liverpool business and renamed it H. Wainwright & Sons. After the First World War it merged with Boodle and Dunthorne. Early work included silverware, watches, chronographs for air and naval officers, and trophies such as the Grand National cup. The company rebranded as Boodles in 2005, opened its Bond Street flagship in 2007 and launched e-commerce in 2012. It won the Walpole British Luxury Brand of the Year award in 2023.
Products and positioning
Boodles sells fine and bespoke jewellery, including diamond and gemstone pieces. It is the exclusive UK retailer of Ashoka diamonds. The brand sits firmly in the luxury tier of British jewellery.
Business model and distribution
The company relies on its own boutiques, including the Bond Street flagship, and online sales. The sources reviewed do not give the number of boutiques or the revenue split by channel, so these are not stated. Wikipedia lists several Wainwright family members in senior roles, but the page is undated and the roles have not been confirmed for 2026.
Why it matters
Boodles is one of the largest family owned independent jewellers in the United Kingdom, and it has moved from a regional business in the north of England to a London luxury brand while remaining in private hands.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Boodles?
Boodles is a privately held family company led by the Wainwright family.
Where is Boodles from?
Boodles is a British jeweller. It dates to 1798 in Hull and is now headquartered in Liverpool, with a flagship on Bond Street in London.