Hatton Garden, located in the heart of London, is one of the most famous jewellery districts in the world and one of my favourite places to visit. Known for its high-end jewellers, diamond merchants, and goldsmiths, Hatton Garden has been the epicentre of the London jewellery trade for over four centuries.
The origins of Hatton Garden can be traced back to medieval times, when the area was known for its market gardens and orchards. In the late 17th century, the area began to develop into a centre for the jewellery trade, with goldsmiths and diamond merchants setting up shop in the area.
The area prospered throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming one of the most important jewellery districts in the world. Hatton Garden continued to thrive in the 20th century and today, it's home to over 300 businesses, including some of the most renowned jewellers, diamond merchants and goldsmiths in the world.
One of the most notable features of Hatton Garden is the presence of the historic 'Jewelers' Row' a street lined with Victorian-era buildings which have been converted into jewellery workshops and showrooms. Many of these buildings have been well-preserved, and they provide a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
Hatton Garden is also renowned for its diamond market, which is home to some of the most prestigious diamond merchants in the world. I recently did a Diamond grading course in Hatton Garden at GEMA (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) which is an educational institution located in Hatton Garden, London. GEMA is dedicated to providing training and education in the field of gemmology, which is the study of natural and artificial gemstones.
The area is also home to many independent and family-run businesses, which offer a wide range of jewellery and services, including bespoke design and manufacturing, repairs, and valuations. The area also offers a variety of other services such as money exchanges, safe deposit boxes, and watch repairs.
One of the most interesting aspects of Hatton Garden is the fact that it is home to many wholesale jewellers and diamond merchants, that allows visitors to purchase high-quality pieces of jewellery and loose diamonds at competitive prices.
Hatton Garden is open to the public and can be explored easily, with many shops open seven days a week. It's a fascinating area to visit for anyone interested in jewellery, history, or architecture. Whether you're looking to buy a piece of jewellery or simply want to explore one of London's most iconic districts, Hatton Garden is a must-see destination
Hatton Garden is also well known for its vintage and antique jewellery shops, which offer a wide range of unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to delight collectors and enthusiasts. These shops specialize in pieces from different eras and styles, such as Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Visiting an antique jewellery shop in Hatton Garden can be a fascinating experience, as you can see and learn about the different styles and techniques used throughout history to create jewellery. The shopkeepers will be able to share their knowledge and expertise about the different pieces in their collection, and can often provide information about the history of the piece and its provenance.
Overall, Hatton Garden is a great destination for antique jewellery lovers. Whether you're a collector looking to add to your collection, or simply looking for a unique and special piece, Hatton Garden's antique jewellery shops have something to offer for everyone. And with the high-level of expertise and knowledge of the shopkeepers, you're sure to find something that you'll treasure for a lifetime.