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.

“Since the establishment of Holts Gems, our mission has remained the same - to provide a service of expert crafting, a range of the finest gemstones, and offer valuable advice.”

— Jason Holt

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.

hatton-garden-diamonds-and-gemstones — Diamond & Gemstone Experts

In Hatton Garden, diamonds are synonymous with the history of the area. At Holts Gems, we source diamonds graded by the GIA.
Our in house diamond experts use their knowledge to source GIA diamonds and coloured gemstones with the perfect combination of characteristics to reach the best price point.
Diamonds >
Gemstones >

Artisanal Jewellers

Since its establishment, Holts Gems has supported traditional British master craftsmanship. Whilst many Hatton Garden jewellers are decreasing the amount of jewellery they make in-house, Holts Gems is proud to produce each piece within our showroom.
Visit us to see our workshop in full swing and our talented goldsmiths in action.
Bespoke Engagement Rings

A Heritage Brand

With authentic roots in the Hatton Garden jewellers’ scene and decades worth of experience and expertise, Holts Gems is proud to stand within London’s jewellery quarter as a heritage brand.
Still within the Holts family, Holts Gems has built upon a wealth of knowledge and expertise to uphold the business and transform into a brand that meets contemporary needs.

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.

Based in Hatton Garden

Start your journey today by booking an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable design consultants.
**Contact or visit us**

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

Our Blog

Explore the latest from our blog & guides

Featured

What is the difference between lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds?

The question on everyone's lips...

Which Colour Sapphire Should I Choose For My Engagement Ring?

Want to break from tradition? Shunning a diamond ring? Learn why sapphire engagement rings are fast becoming a girl’s best friend, and how the gemstone can help you create the most unique engagement ring. (And did you know, they don’t just come in blue?)