JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Great British Brands 2020
PRAGNELL
Purveyors of rarity underpinned by the knowledge of six generations of jewellers
A
s a consequence of acquisition or marriage, Pragnell houses the heritage of several great British jewellery brands: ‘Philip Antrobus – est 1815’, ‘George Tarratt – est 1913’ and ‘Waters and Blott – est 1850’. It is 65 years since George Pragnell arrived with his young family at Five Wood Street, Stratfordupon-Avon, with dreams of setting up home and continuing the family business there. Today George’s grandsons, Charlie Pragnell and Tom Crookenden, continue to work from Wood Street and Pragnell’s headquarters remain in the old Tudor family home. In 1991, Jeremy expanded the shop into number six and now Charlie is completing that expansion into number seven, establishing a proud family legacy beyond even George’s dream. Number seven houses a new jewellery workshop above the showroom and a state-of-the-art kitchen so customers can dine in the shop under the Jacobean ceiling among the rare jewels and antique silver. Pragnell’s jewellery ranges from traditional goldsmithing to contemporary collections. At Pragnell’s heart lies The Masterpiece Collection, ago, has become increasingly established and in which every piece is one of a kind, incorporating a destination for high-profile individuals seeking a rare gemstone, selected by a family member. absolute discretion. ‘While our customers love the ‘My grandfather’s advertisements used to say, “Our rarity and individuality that we can offer, they also knowledge is your safeguard” and to this day our foundations are solidly built on knowledge, expertise value the privacy and independence of a familyand training,’ says Charlie. ‘In Leicestershire we have run firm,’ says Charlie. ‘Our own family name is still above the door today, which maximises fully accredited watch and jewellery workshops with how much we want to ensure our customers are 17 gemologists across the company.’ properly cared for. We are wholly independent The Pragnell Seal is a guarantee that the so we can be flexible and adapt to situations. design is exclusive to the house and of fine British From a global perspective people still respect the craftsmanship, cemented by Pragnell’s 2018 standards that the British uphold, underpinned Queen’s Award for Enterprise. ‘More and more by our values, traditions and laws. people are seeking individuality beyond a badge,’ We’re quite rightly seen to be trustworthy says Charlie, ‘and we wholeheartedly and reliable purveyors of quality. believe in individuality and rarity.’ Domestically, Britishness 2019 was a year to celebrate, is becoming more valued partly because Pragnell acquired with a real feeling of some extremely rare multicoloured loyalty, inevitable in diamonds. This is a triumph for this uncertain climate. Pragnell, given that fancy coloured The cost of political and diamonds have risen in price by economic distraction 318 per cent since 2005. It’s also has been undervalued, the year that Pragnell launched its so I’m optimistic that, ‘RockChic’ and ‘Bohemia’ collections, once greater directional attractive to younger women and certainty is established, we’ll those buying for themselves. be surprised and that 2020 will Meanwhile Pragnell’s Mount be an excellent year.’ Street store, which opened two years
‘Our own family name is still above the door, which maximises how much we want to ensure our customers are properly cared for’
Pragnell 5-7 Wood Street Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6JA +44 (0)1789 267072 pragnell.co.uk pragnell_fine_jewellery
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