Garrard

founded by

George Wickes

belongs to

Ron Burkle

about

Garrard & Co (formerly Asprey & Garrard) is a luxury jewellery and silver company.

The pedigree of this famous company dates back to its founder George Wickes who first entered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1722. In 1735, Wickes became firmly established when he went into business on his own. Soon after, he was appointed as goldsmith to the Prince of Wales. Each era produced pieces much sought after by antique connoisseurs of today. In 1802, the Garrard name was cemented when Robert Garrard senior took sole control of the firm. Upon his death in 1818 his sons Robert Garrard II, James and Sebastian succeeded him in the business.

The 19th century continued with a succession of famous commissions for Royalty and the aristocracy, with designs of splendour, opulence and craftsmanship. Many commissions can be found in museums, national institutions and important private collections around the world. Since 1843, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honour of Crown Jeweller on the company, Garrard has served six successive monarchs. One of the most enduring images of Queen Victoria is of her wearing a small diamond crown made by Garrard in 1870.

Garrard is particularly acknowledged for its role in connection with H.M. Tower of London. On display in the Jewel House are the most important jewels in the United Kingdom and it is an honour for Garrard to be associated with this collection. In 1911 two important commissions were undertaken: the making of Queen Mary's Crown for the Coronation; and, the Imperial Crown of India worn by King George V later that year, at the Delhi Durbar. The Coronation of 1937 heralded another important occasion for the royal jewellers. When the crown set with the Koh-i-Noor diamond was made for the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The Imperial State Crown was remounted by Garrard in 1937, and then further adjusted for H.M. The Queen for the Coronation in 1953.

Garrard merged with the jewellery firm Asprey in 1998 to become Asprey & Garrard, moving from 112 Regent Street to premises on New Bond Street. Asprey & Garrard was bought by Prince Jefri Bolkiah, a younger brother of the Sultan of Brunei, in 1995 for �243m, and later acquired by private investors Lawrence Stroll and Silas Chou for an undisclosed sum in 2000. The company demerged in 2002, with Garrard returning to the Albemarle Street site it first occupied in 1911. Garrard was acquired by the US private equity firm Yucaipa Cos. in 2006, ending its partnership with Asprey.

Jade Jagger became the creative director for the company in 2002. The current "crown and G" logo is based on Robert Garrard's 1822 hallmark.

On 15 July 2007 an announcement was made in the Court Circular, under Buckingham Palace, that Garrard & Co's services as crown jeweller were no longer required, with the reason cited being that it was simply 'time for a change'. G. Collins and Sons were appointed the new Crown Jewellers.

In 2008 the ownership of Gerrard is taken over by Ron Burkle with Chief Executive Terri Eagle and Creative Director Stephen Webster. Gerrard draws on its rich heritage, finding a place and connection with the current consumer market.

There are stores in London, New York, Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Istanbul.