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.

Harry names his business after his late father Gabriel, who had passed away when Harry was just 16 years old.

G Collins & Sons is born. In the beginning Harry ran the shop with just himself and Jackie, who is still with G. Collins & Sons to this day. 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 increasing footfall more space was needed. Number 76 High Street was acquired, doubling the size of the shop. Whilst the renovation and knock-through into next door was underway, Harry felt a cleaner look to the shop fronts would give the building more presence and portray the business brand more clearly.

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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

A Royal appointment

Harry Collins is appointed as Her Majesty the Queen's Jeweller – a very special day for G. Collins & Sons. The Royal Warrant takes pride of place on the shop front after it was appointed in 2005.

The role of Her Majesty the Queen's Jeweller is to look after The Queen's personal collection at Buckingham Palace. Harry has his own workshop within the Palace dedicated to this purpose. Harry still holds this appointment today.

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2005

Patek Philippe – a partnership begins

A wonderful 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 repairs side of the workshop, within 6 months Josh moved to the showroom floor and started seeing clients on a day-to-day basis.

He is now heavily involved in the buying side of the Company, whilst also having a real passion for design. Josh creates many of the Company's signature pieces.

In 2016 Josh became Director of the Company and now runs the business side-by-side with Harry.

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2007

A Great Honour

Harry Collins is appointed Crown Jeweller, this is the greatest of honours that can be bestowed upon a jeweller by Her Majesty the Queen.

This 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 Collins was commissioned to recreate the Crown of King Henry VIII. The original Crown was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. The reproduced Crown is 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 painstaking 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

A second showroom is opened, the boutique showroom at No 63 High Street.

Harry had always dreamt of owning the shop which is situated directly opposite the original premises. The shop reminded him of a little chocolate box, with its Art Nouveau stained glass windows and beautiful curved frontage. A real little gem of a showroom.

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2014

Patek Philippe showroom created

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 is required. 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 Majesty The Queen. 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

G. Collins & Sons announces the latest addition to their historic shop front; the Patek Philippe Calatrava Clock. In celebration of G. Collins & Sons and Patek Philippe's long association the installation of this exclusive clock marks a truly special landmark, firmly cementing the relationship between these two family-owned companies.

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2017

New workshop opens

G. Collins & Sons continues to grow with the opening of a brand new on-site workshop housing a team of 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 espace 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

G. Collins & Sons proudly unveiled a newly refitted showroom, meticulously 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.