About Us
A Family Story
Pragnell is a sixth-generation, British family-run jeweller with a rich heritage spanning over 170 years. 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.
Unified by a shared appreciation for craft, we maintain strong legacy relationships with many 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 a selection of the world’s most revered 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, who founded the company in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1954, declared that ‘our knowledge is your safeguard,’ and we continue to uphold this principle today. Our GIA-trained gemmologists, goldsmiths, antique jewellery specialists, and accredited Swiss watch experts provide an unrivalled personal service.
Our reputation and relationships allow us to offer the very best, from limited-edition Patek Philippe and Rolex watches to rare gemstones and specialist craftsmanship. Every aspect of our journey—from sourcing fine gemstones to handcrafting pieces and exceeding customer expectations—is overseen by a member of the family.
Along with our exceptional selection of contemporary and antique fine jewellery, we specialise in creating bespoke jewels as unique as the people and moments they represent. From one-of-a-kind engagement rings to remodelled family heirlooms, our talented designers and craftspeople take pride in bringing clients’ jewellery dreams to life. 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
Our fine jewellery is handcrafted in 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
.jpg)
Generic CLP Page
Contact us