Diamonds have captivated and enchanted human beings for generations. Ever since their unearthing was first recorded in central and southern India over 2500 years ago, these brilliant and dazzling collections of pure carbon have maintained a fascinating hold over us. They have been awarded the status of talismans for supernatural protection, paraded as symbols of wealth and power and perhaps most notably employed as an enduring representation of our love for one another.
The story of diamonds is truly a global one, with many countries laying claim to their own chapter with tales of conflict, trading and artistry that make up an incredible history. The UK’s place in all of this is well documented as the home to some of the most celebrated diamonds on the planet. The famous Crown Jewels held high in the Tower of London are perhaps the most famous example, with the legendary Cullinan diamond providing two exquisite gems that adorn the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, respectively.
In the 21st century, the country remains at the heart of the diamond industry with a collection of the most innovative jewellers and gem designers in the world on show. Our guide takes a look at some of the very best places to buy a diamond in the UK.
Hatton Garden, London
This street represents the epicentre of the capital’s jewellery trade and has a well-earned reputation as one of the most prestigious diamond districts on the planet. There is so much heritage in the surrounding EC1N postcode that this part of Camden has become known as London’s diamond quarter, and it is here you will find these particular gems:
Queensmith
Queensmith is an absolute newcomer amongst many of its neighbours in Hatton Garden, only being established in 2016, but it has rapidly risen to become one of the most trusted names for bespoke diamond creations in the country. Much of this authenticity can be attributed to their ethical sourcing policy that looks to remove the troubling associations that have plagued the diamond trade for centuries. Every diamond they select has full provenance and traceability, so their clients can feel satisfied that their own creation has the most responsible credentials possible.
The exclusive ‘Grown By Queensmith’ line takes this philosophy even further with lab-grown diamonds procured from certifiable providers that bring this age-old tradition firmly into the modern world. With three UK Bridal Jeweller of the Year awards to their name in not even a decade of trading, Queensmith could very well be the blueprint for the future of the UK diamond shopping experience.
Hatton Garden Diamond
In 1982, the Master Goldsmith Stephen Perry had earned himself the reputation of a perfectionist who would never compromise the highest quality of materials and craft. Today, his family continue that obsessive regard for diamond brilliance in Hatton Garden Diamond with their range of impeccable GIA-certified diamonds and lab-grown gems. One of the most unique attractions for their clients is the in-house workshop that allows people to see the generations of artisan craft bring their purchases to life in front of their own eyes. This connection to the process and the product creates a relationship with the item that inevitably adds more value to a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. The consultation staff are always on hand to understand what you are looking to achieve, and an initial booking with them goes a long way to appreciating all of this in action. The small range of signature ring designs made to house the stones demonstrates a house style that has been perfected over four decades. Models such as The Arlet, a classic six-prong solitaire, have become a favourite over time due to their clean shape that showcases the diamond in all its glory.
Holts Gems
Holts Gems has been a proud beacon for diamond excellence in Hatton Garden since its owner, Ribert Holt, first traded here in 1948. Today, the second-generation Holts have built an award-winning diamond purchasing experience that combines the jewellery prestige of a time gone by with modern awareness and innovation. The team here is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the industry with certified GIA and Gem-A gemologists ready to assist with issues of traceability, sustainability and diamond grading as part of your purchase journey. Recently, Holts Gems also started a project that sought to upgrade and modernise the diamond buying process with an immersive retail experience, created in collaboration with the Hearts Of London Jewellery collective. The idea is to encourage and foster collaborations between designers, clients and craftspeople for a genuinely innovative commission process from concept to completion, with feedback and input along every step of the way. A modern home for classic gems.
Garrard
Moving away from Hatton Garden to the timeless sophistication of Mayfair allows us to profile Garrard as part of our guide. And there could be no such list without mentioning them. This is the oldest Jewellery house in the world that has been creating distinguished diamond pieces for almost three centuries, since 1735. Queen Victoria appointed Garrard as the first official royal jeweller in 1843 and it proudly held that status until as recent as 2007. Quite simply, Garrard is responsible for some of the most iconic diamond jewellery in history. Princess Diana’s sapphire and 14 diamond engagement ring, Queen Mary’s Bandeau Tiara worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding and The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara favoured by Queen Elizabeth II were all crafted by the generations of artisans at Garrard.
A highly sought-after appointment at Garrard provides a bespoke consultation with their designers to align with your own unique identity and vision for the piece. As a Butterfly Mark award-winner by Positive Luxury, you can also be certain that the highest standards of sustainability and ethical responsibility will be adhered to in every diamond they source, cut and create for your commission.
The allure of the diamond shows no signs of abating. The UK, and London in particular, is emerging as the new home for diamond procurement in terms of innovation and commitment to ethical practices that show how these rare gems can be enjoyed in the most sustainable and responsible way by those involved along the line of their production.
In this way, the country is proudly doing its part to preserve the beauty and magic of diamonds to ensure they shine brightly for many generations to come.
