The Pragnell Timeline
Pragnell is a sixth-generation, family-run British jeweller with a rich and royal heritage spanning over 170 years. Through inter-generational family connections, marriage, and business success, our jewellery heritage dates back to the early 19th century.
Today, Pragnell remains under the direction of Charlie Pragnell and his cousins Tom Crookenden and Hugo Blott.
2024
Latest Development to our Original Showroom
In 2024, we unveiled updates to our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom, elevating the Pragnell experience to new heights. Now, along with showcases of exquisite pieces, visitors can observe our skilled goldsmiths and watchmakers at work through specially designed viewing windows that offer a glimpse into our state-of-the-art workshop. The flagship showroom also features dedicated areas for premier watchmakers, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
2024
The Embassy by Pragnell Opens
Exclusively for watches, the Embassy opened in October 2024. Here, visitors can explore luxury timepieces from renowned names such as Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Panerai, BVLGARI, Tudor, TAG Heuer, Breitling, and FOPE. Each brand is thoughtfully presented in boutique-style settings, allowing customers to appreciate their craftsmanship and elegance fully.
2023
Pragnell Partners with The King's Foundation
In 2023, Pragnell became a benefactor of The King's Foundation. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to sustainability and the preservation of traditional handcrafted skills. By supporting The King's Foundation, we contribute to various initiatives that protect and promote artisanal techniques perfected over generations. This initiative reflects our belief in the beauty of handcrafted items and our profound respect for the craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece.
2023
New Leicester Showroom
In September 2023, we opened our new showroom in Leicester on Market Street, just across from our original location, which has been in operation for over 110 years. This spacious and elegant showroom features exclusive jewellery collections, dedicated boutiques for Rolex and Patek Philippe, and expanded workshop areas for our goldsmiths and watchmakers. With a relaxed townhouse aesthetic reminiscent of our Mayfair location, visitors have a unique opportunity to witness our master craftsmen at work.
2023
Mayfair Showroom Expansion
In 2023, our original Mount Street showroom, located in the heart of Mayfair, underwent an exciting expansion into the neighbouring property. Works took two years and introduced a vault, private consultation rooms, and a boardroom featuring a bar and a cigar terrace. The showroom encapsulates the signature relaxed townhouse style of Pragnell, with exquisite hand-painted wallpaper and unique design elements. The result is a space that not only highlights our commitment to luxury but also provides an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.
2018
Pragnell Receives The Queen’s Award for Enterprise
In 2018, Pragnell was honoured to receive The Queen's Award for Enterprise, the UK's highest official accolade for business performance, which recognises and rewards outstanding achievements by UK companies. Pragnell achieved this prestigious recognition through the development of our jewellery offerings, high-quality customer service, and comprehensive training programs.
2017
Our Mayfair Showroom Opens
On November 20, 1947, Her Majesty the Queen married Prince Philip in a magnificent ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The Queen wore a gown designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, along with a diamond engagement ring and diamond bracelet created by Philip Antrobus of Bond Street, a company owned by Pragnell.
In a happy coincidence, exactly seventy years and one day later—on November 21, 2017 —we celebrated our family's long and varied history in London's jewellery trade with the opening of our new Pragnell showroom at 14 Mount Street, Mayfair.
2014
Pragnell Becomes a Patron of The Prince’s Trust
(now The King’s Trust)
Pragnell is proud to be a Patron of The King's Trust, supporting initiatives that empower young individuals. We have provided apprenticeships to help youth develop skills and find meaningful career paths. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our support by providing resources and mentorship to help shape a brighter future for youth across the nation. Together, we aim to create lasting change and empower the next generation.
2010
Charlie Pragnell Becomes Managing Director
In 2010, Charlie Pragnell took over leadership of our family-owned business, Pragnell, from his father, Jeremy. He began his journey with the company in 2005 and has since been a driving force behind its operations. Charlie has guided the firm with a vision that respects its rich heritage while also embracing modern opportunities.
1996
Pragnell Acquires George Tarratt
Pragnell acquired George Tarratt, a family-run jeweller and silversmith in Leicester, with origins dating back to 1913, and known for its expert craftsmanship and contemporary designs.
In 1936, George's son, Ivan Tarratt, joined the business and significantly expanded it, relocating the showroom in 1967 and diversifying the product range. By the mid-20th century, the company earned acclaim for its modernist silver and jewellery, collaborating with designers such as Ernest Blyth and Geoffrey G. Bellamy, who were inspired by the Scandinavian modernist movement.
1993
Stratford-upon-Avon Showroom Expansion
This ambitious project involved integrating the neighbouring property at No. 6 Wood Street. By merging these spaces, we increased the showroom's size, allowing for a larger display area, and enhanced the customer experience by creating a more inviting and spacious environment.
1991
Pragnell Acquires Philip Antrobus
Building on the long-established connections between Philip Antrobus and the Blott family, Pragnell acquired the renowned Bond Street jeweller Philip Antrobus in 1991, for whom Waters & Blott crafted many jewellery pieces. Founded in 1815, Philip Antrobus is famous for designing Queen Elizabeth II's engagement ring and her wedding bracelet in 1946. With access to the original designs in the Antrobus archives, Pragnell has introduced modern interpretations, including the "Antrobus Setting" ring. This acquisition not only expanded our collections but also enhanced our expertise in vintage jewellery, allowing us to draw inspiration from our historic archives in our fine jewellery creations.
1990
The Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award
Established in 1990, the Pragnell Award is an international honour presented annually during the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon. This award recognises outstanding contributions to the appreciation and enjoyment of William Shakespeare's works, as well as advancements in Shakespearean knowledge and understanding.
1979
Jeremy Pragnell Becomes Managing Director
In May 1991, Jeremy Pragnell was appointed managing director, marking a new chapter for the business, as he brought his vision and leadership to the company. Under his guidance, Jeremy sought to enhance the company's reputation and expand its offerings, leveraging his industry insights and experience. Jeremy placed a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality, sourcing materials from trusted suppliers and working closely with skilled artisans to create exceptional products.
1971
Incorporating Waters & Blott
Jeremy Pragnell, son of founder George, married Jane Blott, of the esteemed jewellery manufacturer Waters & Blott, founded in 1850 and located on Bond Street. Together, they successfully carried on family jewellery business traditions. This partnership between Pragnell and Waters & Blott carries a significant legacy tied to royal connections.
After serving in the Armed Forces in 1944, Colonel Robert Blott became the Managing Director of Waters & Blott, where he continued the company's legacy of crafting bespoke jewellery.
1954
The First Pragnell Showroom
George Pragnell founded the company in 1954 in Stratford-upon-Avon, famously stating, "Our knowledge is your safeguard." That same year, he and his young family moved into number 5 Wood Street, envisioning both a business and a home. Today, our headquarters remain in this historic building in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, where the Pragnell legacy and family values are deeply rooted. The connection between this town and its most renowned figure, William Shakespeare, is significant. This building was constructed in 1594 by Abraham Sturley, a close friend and drinking companion of the Bard himself.
1947
Royal Connections
Our journey in jewellery crafting began in the early 19th century. Throughout the years, we have grown by acquiring several esteemed jewellery houses, including the illustrious Philip Antrobus, celebrated for creating Queen Elizabeth's engagement ring, which she wore on her wedding day in 1947. Our family's ties to royal jewellery span generations, shaping our heritage since the 1800s. This rich background of royal connections serves as inspiration for many of our creations, drawing from archives that date back to 1815.
1930
George Pragnell
George Pragnell began his career as an apprentice at Biggs of Maidenhead, where he was fortunate enough to look after Queen Mary from 1930 until her death in 1953. As a young man, he was instructed to entertain the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret as their grandmother perused the jewels on display.
1850
Waters & Blott
Our connection to royalty dates back over 170 years to 1850, when Waters & Blott, the British jewellery manufacturer, was established on Bond Street in London. By 1947, the company was under the management of Albert Blott and had gained a reputation for crafting bespoke jewellery. Notably, they created exquisite pieces for Philip Antrobus, the designer behind Queen Elizabeth II's engagement ring.
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