Crown Jeweller disappointed

I don't tend to keep tabs on our clients' other suppliers but the news that Garrard has lost its position as Crown Jeweller did catch my eye. It's a position they've held for more than 160 years. An amazing and enviably long tenure first granted by Queen Victoria in 1843.

The current holder of the post, David Thomas was the Crown Jeweller at Garrards when Piers and I were producing the souvenir guide of the Crown Jewels for Historic Royal Palaces. He was the only one allowed to touch the precious pieces during the photo-shoot. Now he's handing over the white gloves to a Mr. Harry Collins who runs a small family run business in Tunbridge Wells.

Apparently the Queen's decision to change is as a result of a recommendation from a friend and has nothing to do with Garrards decision to appoint Christina Aguilera as it's new face.

Just goes to show - the power of word of mouth marketing can even overturn a 160 year relationship.



David Thomas with assistant curator Barry Sanderson in the old Jewel House, Waterloo block, HM Tower of London