Garrard Jewelry
Filed in archive Fine Jewelry by Maggie MacLean on December 31, 2008
Fine Jewelry for Royalty and Celebrities
Stephen Webster remembers standing in front of Garrard, the crown jeweler, as a young, unknown designer, when the grand London store was the first to give him a break by stocking his bold and edgy work. Earlier this month, Webster walked into Garrard with a new role as creative director. And this time, he's expected to bring more than the rock 'n' roll spirit he tuned into when he spent the 1980s in California.
Garrard Regal Aquamarine Ring
10.32 carat aquamarine, diamond and white gold cocktail ring.
Ron Burkle, Garrard's current owner, is hoping to match heritage with hip and welcome Webster's celebrity clientele. That star-studded list includes Christina Aguilera, Cameron Diaz, and Jennifer Lopez. "It's a historical brand - the only one left and it's everything I've been passionate about," says Webster, referring to the history of the oldest jewelry company in the world, and the supplier of jewels to generations of royals.
Garrard Regal Diamond Earrings
8.31 carat diamond and platinum waterfall earrings.
"Jewelry actually became part of fashion," says Webster, whose silver collection sells at relatively modest prices (from $250 to $2,000) while fine white and yellow jewelry runs from $1,500 to $175,000.
Webster's formative years were spent outside Britain, first in Canada where he was apprenticed to a jeweler who "spent his life down the mines" and who became his mentor. Webster traces from this point his fascination with exotic stones with "a brilliant color palette," like rings centered on hematites, coral and blue goldstone.
Garrard Wings Green Beryl Ring
15.64 carat green beryl, diamond and white gold ring.
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.
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