b'THE CARNEGIE CLUBEST. 1950 B E H I N D Strengthening bonds beautifully for over 65 years T H E S C E N E Swww.halcyondays.co.ukVictoria Connor learns about the outstanding craftsmanship that goes into each and every House of Garrard creationS tep through the doors of 24 Albemarlemarried William Tudor Sutherland-Walker Street in Londons Mayfair and youof Skibo Castle. enter the showroom of one of theBringing a modern sensibility to this worlds oldest and most prestigious jewellers,historic brand is creative director Sara House of Garrard. Each handcrafted piece onPrentice. After studying jewellery design display has been made in the House Studio,at the University for the Creative Arts she 5 9 a testament to the commitment to quality andworked for Cartier, Graff and Faberg (for integrity that have been the brands hallmarkswhom she designed its first high-jewellery since its founding in 1735.egg since 1917), before joining Garrard in The story of this illustrious marque2012. Recognising how important the brands began nearly three centuries ago, when itrich heritage is, she explains, The House opened in Panton Street, Haymarket, at thelaunches one new collection each year, with sign of the Kings Arms. It was a serendipitousinspiration being drawn from a moment in London address, given that in its first yearGarrards past. The Albemarle collectionof trading, the Prince of Wales appointed thewith its signature diamond-and-dot pattern business to be his goldsmith, jeweller and was inspired by Queen Marys Girls of Great silversmith, beginning a royal relationshipBritain and Ireland Tiara, while Prentices that would span the centuries. In 1843,first collection for the House, Marguerite, was Garrard was appointed as the first officialinspired by the sapphire and diamond brooch Crown Jeweller, and has served eachgiven to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert on subsequent British monarch since.their wedding day. For her latest collection, Over the centuries, House of GarrardMuse, she looked to one of Garrards most has created iconic pieces for some of historyssartorially daring clients: Queen Alexandra. most recognisable figures, including theQueen Alexandra was a royal with Imperial Crown of India for King George V,a unique sense of style, says Prentice. She Queen Elizabeth IIs Burmese Ruby Tiarawas attractive, she was strong, and she was and Diana, Princess of Wales sapphire andan icon of her time. She had favourite motifs, diamond engagement ring (today worn bythe snake being one. She also commissioned Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge). On a lessGarrard to create five beautiful star brooches regalthough no less significantnote,From top: Queen Alexandra was one of Garrardsand she was quite adventurous in the way the family firm was undoubtedly engagedmost sartorially daring clients; continuing its richshe would wear themsometimes around The Parterre Collection to create the bridal suite for the younglegacy of sapphire jewellery, this brooch from thethe neckline, other times on the bodice or the Available to purchase in the Skibo shop Alamy Ethel Mary Garrard when, in 1893, sheblue sapphire set in its signature cluster settingbelt. This iconography, along with filigree House of Garrard features a rare 118.88ct royal Skibo Ad.indd 1 20/03/2019 12:33'