About Us
A Family Story
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. As one of the UK's last full-service jewellers, our fine jewellery is handcrafted in British workshops by highly trained craftspeople, using gemstones of exceptional beauty and quality.
Our founder, George Pragnell, started his career at Queen Mary's private jeweller, Biggs of Maidenhead, and started the Pragnell business in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1954. George's son, Jeremy, married Jane Blott, of the esteemed jewellery house Waters & Blott, located on London's Bond Street, which was founded in 1850. Together, they continued the family business traditions. Waters & Blott crafted jewellery for Philip Antrobus, the designer of the Queen's engagement ring, founded in 1815. In 1991, Pragnell acquired the Philip Antrobus Jewellery House and its archives, many of which continue to serve as inspiration for our contemporary creations.
Today, Pragnell remains under the direction of family members, Charlie Pragnell, Jeremy's son and Managing Director, alongside Charlie's cousins Tom Crookenden and Hugo Blott. Unified by a shared appreciation for craft, we maintain strong relationships with leading Swiss watchhouses, having been among the first to bring Patek Philippe and Rolex to the UK over 70 years ago. We proudly serve as exclusive UK partners for renowned high-horology brands, including Bernard Lederer, Laurent Ferrier, Ludovic Ballouard, Greubel Forsey, and Ferdinand Berthoud.
Our commitment to craftsmanship is reinforced through philanthropy. We have been a long-standing supporter of the Royal Shakespeare Company for over 50 years, and in 2025, we announced a new partnership as Craft and Design Sponsor. Since 2015, we have been a proud Patron of The King's Trust, employing watch workshop technicians as part of their apprenticeship scheme. In 2023, we partnered with The King's Foundation, sponsoring their Annual Awards that celebrate craft and sustainable techniques.
As a family-owned company, the Pragnell name symbolises our commitment to quality. We offer the widest selection of fine jewellery, watches, and silver, both antique and modern, in the UK. With five showrooms and a virtual concierge service, we help customers find the special pieces that celebrate significant life milestones and will be treasured for generations.
George Pragnell famously declared that 'our knowledge is your safeguard,' a principle we uphold today through our GIA-trained gemmologists, goldsmiths, antique jewellery specialists, and accredited Swiss watch experts who provide unrivalled personal service.
Our reputation enables us to offer the finest, from limited-edition Patek Philippe and Rolex watches to rare gemstones and specialist craftsmanship, with every aspect of our journey overseen by a family member.
In addition to our exceptional selection of contemporary and antique fine jewellery, we specialise in creating bespoke jewels as unique as the individuals and moments they represent. From one-of-a-kind engagement rings to remodelled family heirlooms, our talented designers and craftspeople take pride in realising clients' jewellery dreams. Our loyal customer base spans generations and has grown through word of mouth. Whatever a client's requirements, whether they are a first-time customer or have been visiting us for decades, they will receive the same unparalleled service.
Rare Jewels Handcrafted in Great Britain
Over 80% of our Pragnell jewellery is handmade in our British workshops by classically trained craftspeople, using gemstones of exceptional beauty and quality. We believe that fine jewellery is art, not fashion, and that beautiful gemstones should be celebrated. Our one-of-a-kind Pragnell Masterpieces are individually designed around exceptional gemstones hand-selected by a member of the Pragnell family for their beauty and rarity. Stones such as Golconda diamonds, Colombian emeralds, Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies: each one a dazzling link to a bygone era.
Each Masterpiece is handcrafted in our British workshops by our master craftspeople, who blend traditional goldsmithing techniques with sophisticated modern technology. Many of our craftspeople are Fellows of the National Association of Goldsmiths, and each Masterpiece is uniquely numbered and stamped with the Pragnell Seal, a celebration of craft excellence.
We champion British design and craftsmanship, and were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2018, in recognition of our outstanding business performance.
A Rich and Royal Heritage
Founded in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1954, our jewellery-making heritage dates back to the early 19th century. Our founder, George Pragnell, began his career at Queen Mary’s private jeweller, Biggs of Maidenhead. Over the years, we have acquired several esteemed jewellery houses, including George Tarratt (established in 1915), Waters & Blott (established in 1850), and Philip Antrobus (established in 1815), the creator of the Queen’s engagement ring.
These acquisitions have solidified our expertise in antique jewellery, and many of our fine jewellery collections are inspired by the archives of these distinguished houses.
Pragnell and the Bard
We have a long-standing relationship with one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most celebrated figures: William Shakespeare. Our flagship showroom is located at 5 Wood Street in a listed Tudor cottage designed by Abraham Sturley, who was one of Shakespeare’s closest friends and drinking companions.
We proudly support the annual Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, and in 1990, we established the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award to honour those who contribute to preserving and promoting his legacy.
Our Services
Our Values
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