Our Story
Over 70 Years of History
Holts Gems was established in 1948 by Robert Holt, a pre-war Jewish refugee, who upon arriving in London from Vienna found his calling within London’s bustling jewellery scene. Aged 16 he began an apprenticeship as a diamond polisher in Clerkenwell, soon developing ambitions of expanding his trade and taking his place alongside the fellow Hatton Garden jewellers that have made the area what it is today.
Whilst celebrating our history, we know the importance of learning alongside our clients, which is why we’re constantly developing a service that is relevant to those visiting us today.
Our Expertise
Sourcing, cutting, crafting
Our roots lie in the lapidary industry, in which our sister company Holts Lapidary still offer a comprehensive and highly skilled service. Visit our trade page for Holts Lapidary services.
Trade & Retail
A new era for Holts Gems
Having served our trade customers under the Holts Gems brand for over 70 years, 2019 saw the biggest changes in the business for over half a century with the creation of a new trade services brand; Holts Lapidary.
Multi Award-Winning
Our Awards & Accreditations
Over the years, Holts Gems has picked up a number of awards that are credit to the intricate knowledge, expert crafting skills and warm personal service that our team work together to provide - from UK Jewellery Awards’ Independent Retailer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, to Family Business of the Year Awards’ Luxury Business accolade. Holts Gems are proud to have won the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Competition a total of 41 times, and in 2015 celebrated Jason Holt’s appointment as Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the jewellery industry.
Jason Holt was invested as Commander of British Empire (CBE) for services to Apprenticeships and the Jewellery Industry, New Years Honours list 2015
Winner of the Luxury Business accolade at the Family Business of the Year Awards 2014
Winner of the UK Jewellery Award Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2012
Winner of the UK Jewellery Awards, Independent Retailer of the Year 2008
Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion – Finalist August 2006
London Business Awards (Sponsored by Evening Standard, KPMG) – Winner, for Commitment to the Community, November 2004
London Enterprise Competition (Sponsored by London Development Agency) – Winner, October 2004
National Training Awards – National Winner, December 2002
Special Award from the Department of Skills & Employment – Winner, December 2002
Special Award from the Department of Skills & Employment for contribution towards up-skilling in the UK, 2001
National Training Awards – National Winner, 1996
1985 to 2005: Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Competition – Winner over 41 times