Garrard - The Oldest London Engagement Ring Designers

Garrard are the oldest London engagement ring designers, after being established in 1735 by George Wickes. Now known as Garrard & Co. Limited, they were formerly Asprey & Garrard Limited. Their designs have been commissioned by royalty and they have over 275 years of rich heritage manufacturing luxury jewellery and silverware.

Garrard's headquarters are at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, but they also sell some of their pieces of jewellery in Harrods. From 1843 to 2007, Garrard was the Crown Jeweller of the UK, which meant they were in charge of the upkeep of the British Crown Jewels. They also have a strong international reputation and offer services in Geneva, Lebanon, Qatar Dubai, Moscow and Hong Kong.

Garrard’s Bridal Collection was established in 1840 and now offers a number of classic and very beautiful engagement rings for the modern bride.

About Garrard’s Bridal Collection

In 1840, Prince Albert commissioned Garrard to create a sapphire and white diamond cluster brooch as a wedding gift to his future wife, Queen Victoria of England. Their eldest son, Edward Prince of Wales, later commissioned Garrard to make a diamond and pearl parure as a gift to his future bride, Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863. The parure consisted of a diamond tiara with a pearl and diamond necklace, brooch and earrings. The tiara has since become known as ‘The Rundell Tiara’, after London’s Rundell, Bridge and Rundell Jewellery Company, but was actually exclusively made by Garrard.

In 1919, Garrard was credited for designing and crafting Queen Mary’s fringe tiara. Inspired by emerging Russian trends, the tiara has become a cherished modern piece. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II later wore the tiara on her wedding day in 1947.

Garrard's mantra is that their London engagement ring designs preserve their 'classic beauty' and become cherished heirlooms to be passed down through generations. In 1981, the Garrard sapphire and diamond cluster engagement ring was chosen for Diana, Princess of Wales by Charles, Prince of Wales. It was then handed down to Prince William who presented the ring to Kate Middleton upon their engagement in 2011.

Garrard’s Diamond Cluster London Engagement Ring

The diamond cluster engagement ring is part of Garrard's unique heritage. It consists of 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon Sapphire set in 18-carat white gold. Prince Charles paid £28 000 for the ring when he bought it for Diana in 1981 - it was not unique or custom made and, at the time, was available to be purchased by members of the public. Kate Middleton has had the ring resized from a size H to a size I by Crown Jewellers G Collins and Sons, who also added two platinum studs to it.

The Eternal Cut

The trademarked Eternal Cut is the signature Garrard cut. It features 81 facets, which is different to a traditional brilliant cut with only 57. This patented cut reveals a unique petal reflection in the centre of the diamond, creating a stunning bespoke natural diamond.

Timeless Tiaras

After being royally commissioned to create tiaras and parures in London, engagement ring designs and bridal tiaras are Garrard's signature pieces available to the general public – after all, every bride should feel like royalty on their wedding day!

Frederick Holm is staff writer for the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best London engagement ring designers to precious metals, coloured stones and vintage styles, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.