Our Heritage

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1985

A bold move from Bond Street

Harry Collins decides to go it alone and makes the bold move from the shop he managed in Bond St, London to the Old High Street in Royal Tunbridge Wells. He acquires No 78 High Street.

G Collins & Sons is born. Named after Harry's late father Gabriel, who had passed away when Harry was just 16 years old.

In the beginning Harry ran the shop with just one other person by his side - Jackie, who remains an important part of G. Collins & Sons today. Harry’s mother lived above the shop, making tea and coffee for customers whilst they waited for their jewellery to be cleaned.

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1995

No.76 High Street

With footfall increasing, more space was needed. Number 76 High Street was acquired, doubling the size of the shop.


During the renovation and the knock‑through into the adjoining space, Harry envisioned a cleaner, more elegant shopfront. One that would give the building stronger presence and communicate the essence of the brand more clearly.

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2000

A Royal appointment

Appointed as Queen Elizabeth II's personal jeweller in 2000, Harry Collins proudly held the role for 22 years, contributing to the legacy of British craftsmanship and Royal tradition.

G. Collins & Sons was later awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment in 2005.

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2004

Zoë joins the family business

Harry's daughter Zoë enters the fold, joining the family business. With a background in management and client-facing roles she instantly becomes an integral part of the shop's retail team.

Moving to a managerial role, Zoë now arranges and oversees all major customer events.

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2005

Patek Philippe – a partnership begins

G. Collins & Sons becomes the region's first Patek Philippe Authorised Retailer.

Patek Philippe is the ultimate name in the luxury watch sector and the one that Harry had been courting for many years.

Pictured: The first Patek Philippe sold by G Collins & Sons, a Complications Collection timepiece.

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2006

Josh joins the business

Harry's son Josh joins the Family Business at age 16. Initially starting in administration and working in the workshop, within 6 months Josh moved to the showroom floor and started seeing clients on a day-to-day basis.

In 2016, Josh became a Director of G. Collins & Sons and began running the business alongside Harry.

Today, he is continues to bring his passion for design, creating many of the brand’s signature pieces.

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2007

A Great Honour

Harry Collins was appointed Crown Jeweller from 2007 to 2012 by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This is the greatest of honours that can be bestowed upon a jeweller and was the first time that the title had changed hands in 164 years.

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2012

The Crown of King Henry VIII

Harry was commissioned to recreate the Crown of King Henry VIII, which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649.

The recreation was bejewelled with 344 gems consisting of rubies, sapphires and pearls and is on permanent display at Hampton Court Palace.

The Crown's recreation involved months of planning, sourcing of gemstones and the skill of the Master Jewellers. The work remained faithful to the original traditional methods throughout its production.

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2013

No. 63 High Street opens

Harry had always dreamt of owning the shop which is situated directly opposite number 78 as it reminded him of a little chocolate box, with its Art Nouveau stained glass windows and beautiful curved frontage.

in 2013, G. Collins & Sons' second showroom was opened, the boutique showroom at No 63 High Street. A real little gem of a showroom.

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2014

The Patek Philippe Showroom

Patek Philippe had already become a very integral part of the business and to symbolise the mutual value of the partnership, the entire showroom of No 76 High Street was renovated to create a dedicated Patek Philippe Salon.

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2015

The Diamond Room at 74 High Street

Once again, with the second showroom being converted to a Patek Philippe Salon, more space was required to accommodate the footfall.

Number 74 High Street is purchased - Furnished in Regal Red and Royal Blue, it is home to the High Jewellery collection and named 'The Diamond Room'.

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2016

Membership of The Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

Harry Collins is awarded Membership of The Royal Victorian Order (MVO) by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A distinguished honour for his services to Her Majesty and his work for charitable causes.

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2017

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Clock

In celebration of G. Collins & Sons and Patek Philippe's long association, we announced the latest addition to our historic shop front; the Patek Philippe Calatrava Clock.

The installation of this exclusive clock marks a truly special landmark, firmly cementing the relationship between these two family-owned businesses.

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2017

New On-site Workshop Opens

G. Collins & Sons continue to grow with the opening of a brand new on-site workshop housing a team of over 20 expert craftsmen and craftswomen - some of the most talented jewellers in the country.

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2019

Cartier showroom opens

G. Collins & Sons strengthen their relationship with Cartier further with a striking space fitted in their boutique showroom.

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2023

The Griffin Bar

In 2023, G. Collins & Sons proudly introduced the Griffin Bar, an elegant new addition to our premises.

This bespoke bar offers a luxurious space where clients can relax and enjoy refreshments while exploring our collections.

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2024

Our Newly Refitted Showroom

We proudly unveiled our newly refitted showroom, designed to enhance our customers' experience.

The updated space beautifully combines contemporary elegance with our timeless heritage, offering a refined and welcoming environment in which to explore our exceptional collections.