Pragnell’s Rich History
Today’s Pragnell, the British jewelry firm, dates from the 1950s, when George Pragnell established an eponymous business in Stratford-upon-Avon. But the firm’s roots run deep, spanning six generations over 170 years.
George began his career in 1930 at Queen Mary’s private jeweler, Biggs of Maidenhead, where he attended to the Queen’s needs. As a young trainee, George was often instructed to entertain Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret while their grandmother viewed the jewelry on display. After a successful career at Biggs, he left for Stratford-upon-Avon to set up his own business.
George’s son Jeremy also pursued the family tradition of working in the jewelry trade, marrying Jane Blott, whose family had an interest in the renowned Bond Street firm Waters & Blott, founded in 1850, which also crafted jewelry for Philip Antrobus, established in 1815. It was Antrobus who designed Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring.
Charlie Pragnell (Photos courtesy of Pragnell)
Jeremy Pragnell, who went on to head the Pragnell business in Stratford, acquired the Antrobus jewelry house and its archives. “Many of these archival designs have gone on to serve as the inspiration for contemporary Pragnell creations,” says Charlie Pragnell, Jeremy’s son and George’s grandson, who is managing director of the jewelry company alongside cousins Tom Crookenden and Hugo Blott.
Pragnell’s Stratford-upon-Avon flagship showroom.
The Pragnell team works with talented designers, goldsmiths, and vintage jewelry specialists to develop new jewelry pieces and collections. “Our pieces are informed by a deep understanding of the great periods in jewelry design from the leading jewelry houses,” says Charlie Pragnell. Alongside Pragnell collections are select bespoke pieces, some created anew and some remodeled heirlooms updated to current tastes. “Our style is best described as classic and contemporary,” he says.
The company operates five showrooms, located in Mayfair, London, Stratford, and Leicester. In addition to jewelry pieces, Pragnell is also one of Britain’s leading sources for fine men’s and ladies’ watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Masterpiece Cabochon Cut 11.60ct Sri Lankan Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold ($242,734).