Royal Heritage

Pragnell’s connection with royal jewellery has greatly influenced the family business, with links dating back generations. We are immensely proud of these connections, which have shaped our legacy since the early 19th century. When George Pragnell opened his jewellery house in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1954, he recognised the value of such relationships.

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.

Over the decades, Pragnell acquired the prestigious jewellery houses Philip Antrobus (est. 1815), creator of the Queen’s engagement ring, and George Tarratt (est. 1915), further expanding its archives of royal commissions.

The company’s jewellery manufacturing prowess was also bolstered through its family ties. Jeremy Pragnell, George’s son, married Jane Blott, a sixth-generation member of the family behind Waters & Blott (est. 1850), who crafted pieces for Phillip Antrobus, along with much of Bond Street. Emily Pragnell, the wife of Jeremy’s son Charlie, is also a member of the Garrard family, who were Crown Jewellers from 1843 until 2007.

This unique tapestry of royal connections inspires many of our pieces, drawing from archives dating back to 1815. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our Antrobus collection, a contemporary interpretation of Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring, worn on her wedding day in 1947.

Six generations of jewellery-making expertise are reflected in our commitment to quality craftsmanship. Our in-house team includes GIA-trained gemmologists, antique jewellery specialists, master craftspeople, and accredited Swiss watch experts. We source exceptional period and antique jewellery and specialise in redesigning antique pieces into wearable, contemporary creations.