61 From Georgian clockmakers to fine jewellers, Britain’s oldest family jewellery business continues its timeless pursuit of perfection When James Gatward first opened his workshop in Hitchin’s Market Square in 1760, King George II was still on the throne, and the Industrial Revolution had yet to reshape Britain. What began as a small enterprise crafting timepieces for the Georgian gentry has since grown into an extraordinary legacy spanning nine generations. For more than 140 years, the Gatward family built their reputation on the precise art of clockmaking. From James Gatward’s early workshop to Bradly Gatward’s final masterpieces, every timepiece reflected mechanical excellence and unwavering dedication to craft. As timekeeping evolved from the mid-1900s through the 1980s, the family showed remarkable adaptability. Under Willson and later Sylvia Gatward, the business gradually shifted towards fine jewellery while maintaining the precision and attention to detail rooted in their clockmaking heritage. From the 1980s to today, under the guidance of Anna and Lisa Gatward and now Charlotte Gatward, the focus has moved decisively to fine jewellery, celebrated for exquisite diamonds and vibrant coloured gemstones. England’s oldest family jewellers Today, Gatwards of Hitchin is proud to be England’s oldest family jewellers, established in 1760 and still trading from its original premises. Under Charlotte’s leadership, the eighth generation continues the family’s remarkable lineage, blending contemporary sophistication with centuries-old craftsmanship. Adapting to the digital age has been essential. “We embraced online selling, particularly during the pandemic,” Charlotte explains. “Covid was a huge challenge, especially as I had only been in the business for just under two years when we suddenly had to close for the first time in our history. We needed strong online representation, and most of our stock is still visible on our homepage, so we don’t miss out when people search for something specific.” More recently, the store has been refitted to enhance the in-person experience. Every piece that arrives is handchecked by the experienced team, which includes an FGAqualified specialist and another team member with valuation qualifications. An in-house workshop also offers repairs, remodelling and bespoke design services, continuing the family’s tradition of technical expertise. Celebrating 265 years This year marks the company’s 265th anniversary, celebrated with an exhibition in the shop itself. Visitors can explore Georgian and Victorian pieces alongside heirlooms and bespoke commissions. Charlotte explains, “We wanted to showcase the craftsmanship of the watches and clocks made by the early Gatwards and then our evolution into a fine jewellery retailer. Jewellery has meaning and can be repurposed many times over. For example, my mother’s diamond brooch was redesigned into a necklace for my wedding day as my ‘something old’.” The enduring value of in-person expertise As retail rapidly evolves with online shopping, AI and augmented reality, Charlotte believes independent jewellers remain essential. She comments, “We often see customers who purchased something online that wasn’t what they expected and need our expertise, or they come to us for services like ring resizing or bespoke commissions that can’t be done online. Online retail is convenient and has transformed the industry, but it can’t replace in-person service. We pride ourselves on guiding our customers to the perfect piece of jewellery for any occasion.” For Charlotte, the experience is just as important as the purchase itself. “When commemorating a special moment, customers want to remember how they felt choosing the piece,” she adds. “Our Tudor-fronted shop, with its rich heritage, adds to the romance of buying something truly special.” A 265-YEAR LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP ENQUIRE NOW! 01462 434 273 info@gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk
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