Garrard
United Kingdom
Garrard is a London luxury jeweller whose origins trace to 1722 or 1735, depending on the account, and which was the first official Crown Jeweller from 1843 to 2007. It is based on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, and Wikipedia records its acquisition by Yucaipa Companies in 2006.
| Founded | 1722 or 1735 (accounts differ) |
|---|---|
| Founder | George Wickes |
| Headquarters | Albemarle Street, London |
| Crown Jeweller | 1843 to 2007 |
| Segment | Jewellery |
| Website | garrard.com |
What is Garrard?
Garrard is a British jeweller and silversmith based on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London. It is known for royal jewellery, engagement rings and sporting trophies. It still holds a royal warrant from Charles III, granted when he was Prince of Wales.
History
Wikipedia gives two founding dates: 1722, when George Wickes entered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall and set up in Threadneedle Street, and 1735, when the firm moved to Panton Street. Queen Victoria named Garrard the first official Crown Jeweller in 1843, a role it held until 2007. It made the America's Cup in 1848 and re-cut the Koh-i-Noor diamond in 1852. In 1959 Mappin & Webb, a Sears subsidiary, bought it, and in 1990 it was sold to Asprey plc, becoming Asprey & Garrard in 1998. It demerged in 2002 and returned to Albemarle Street. In 2006 the US private equity firm Yucaipa Companies acquired it.
Products and positioning
Garrard makes fine jewellery, including tiaras and engagement rings, and trophies. These include the Cricket World Cup Trophy, the Premier League trophy and Royal Ascot trophies. It also made the staff of office for the Usher of the Black Rod in the Parliament of Canada.
Business model and distribution
The business is private. The sources reviewed do not describe its store network or channel mix, and do not name a current owner, so this profile does not state one. Wikipedia names Sara Prentice as creative director from 2012, but that appointment was not verified for 2026.
Why it matters
Garrard is one of the oldest luxury jewellers in the world and a reference point for British royal jewellery. Its history of mergers with Mappin & Webb and Asprey also ties together several of the best known names in British jewellery.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Garrard?
Wikipedia lists Garrard as a private company and records that Yucaipa Companies acquired it in 2006. The current owner is not named in the sources reviewed.
Where is Garrard from?
Garrard is a British jeweller based in London, with its roots in the work of the silversmith George Wickes. It was the first official Crown Jeweller from 1843.