The Finest Engagement Ring Brands
Choosing an engagement ring is a significant milestone in one’s life journey, and finding the perfect brand can make this experience even more memorable. Some brands stand out among the…
World-renowned for its vast number of jewelers, exuberant jewelry to peruse and exquisite diamonds around every corner, Hatton Garden is known as London’s ‘Diamond District’. Widely regarded as the jewelry capital of the UK, Hatton Garden is the best part of London to visit if you’re looking to buy fine jewelry
Known locally as ‘The Garden’, Hatton Garden has around 70 jewelry stores and 300 allied trades and jewelry-related businesses. When you arrive at Hatton Garden for the first time, it can seem somewhat overwhelming due to the vast array of diamonds and fine jewelry on offer.
Hatton is named after Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor of England and favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, who gave him the surrounding estates in 1570. Hatton Garden slowly
took shape from the growth of residential houses along the street, quickly establishing itself as a popular neighborhood.
Today, Hatton Garden’s reputation precedes itself, with people traveling from far and wide to find engagement rings, wedding rings, and other diamond jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, at this authoritative jewelry trading area.
Hatton Garden has both appointment-based jewelers as well as walk-ins. If you aren’t too sure who to visit, then you can browse through the garden if you aren’t sure. Neither high street brands nor international brands can be found here. Hatton garden is mostly independent family-run jewelers, but don’t expect vendors to display their wares from windows and doorways like New York City or LA.
It’s estimated that one in three UK engagements are sealed with a ring purchased in the area – but are the diamonds and jewelry worth a trip or stop by? Discover what London’s best jewelry stores have to offer below.
Is the home of Big Ben, also housing diamonds beyond compare? We recommend Whiteflash, Blue Nile, and James Allen, vetted vendors offering quality diamonds, complete with high-quality images and videos and equipped with reputable diamond certificates - all accessible online from your own home.
1. De Beers – Best For Diamond Historians
Location: 46-50 Old Bond St, London W1S 4QT
Established: 1888
In spite of being mainly a mining company, De Beers has become one of the most recognizable jewelers in the world – in part because of their iconic slogan that we definitely don’t disagree with.
After opening its first consumer stores in 2002, De Beers created the Forevermark brand shortly thereafter. Since then, they have expanded their influence in the retail market in a variety of ways – including their London expansion, with a presence at the iconic Harrods but also at their Old Bond Street flagship store.
In sync with other exclusive brands retailing on this street, the boutique itself is designed with a very modern and elegant taste.
As expected, De Beers is generally quite expensive. For all those international shoppers coming to London, Bond Street is a true window to luxury retailing. Having De Beers’ exquisite diamond jewelry displayed in such a beautiful location is very fitting, and is the reason why it’s one of the best jewelry stores in London for those who appreciate the history of diamonds.
2. Boodles – Best for British Luxury & Heritage
Location: 178 New Bond St, London W1S 4RH
Established: 1798
A quintessential British jeweler. Boodles is a legendary name in UK high-end jewelry, with a heritage dating back two centuries to the iconic city of Liverpool in northwest England.
Combining beautiful, unique and contemporary jewelry designs with the finest traditional values, it’s a truly transcendent brand.
With a design language that adapts to time, the family’s passion shows in the jewelry. Nevertheless, many people are drawn to Boodles for their warm hospitality. Boodles is managed by brothers Nicolas and Michael Wainwright, the fifth generation of their family.
Located along New Bond Street for decades, Boodles expanded and renovated its boutique in 2015 to include the Albermarle Apartment with its own back lane entrance. In the showroom, the signature styles of Boodles are displayed through swirling glass staircases and stunning chandeliers.
If you want the full fine jewelry experience UK-style, it’s the jewelry store in London for you.
Contrary to popular belief, there are many online jewelers who carry the same commitment to quality and values. Compare prices, quality and long-term benefits presented by PriceScope's short list of vetted vendors and their collections like Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE®, Astor by Blue Nile™, and JamesAllen.com True Hearts™ are displays of diamonds with superior cut quality.
3. Stephen Webster – Best Contemporary Jewelry
Location: Second Floor, 130 Mount St, London W1K 3NY
Established: 1989
In Stephen Webster’s jewelry pieces, you can expect a cool, edgy, and distinctly Gothic style. He is known for his gold skulls, butterflies, and serpents encrusted with diamonds and gemstones. Through constant re-invention and unique concepts, it celebrates traditional craftsmanship married with fresh depictions of classic imagery.
Webster had identified Mayfair as a place with great potential, he chose aesthetically beautiful but then forgotten Mount Street as the location to expand his business with his monicker.
In the years since, Mayfair and Mount Street have become the new homes for luxury in a variety of sectors. Interestingly, the area was almost forgotten as a retail destination until just a few years ago.
Providing a very contemporary and intimate ambiance, Webster offers his clients a more personalized and exclusive experience. A-listers have flocked to his creations, which grace red carpets and other high-profile events, so as you can imagine, his pricetag is not for the faint of heart.
Stephen Webseter’s London jewelry store is a great option if you want something outside the run-of-the-mill designer brands, but comes with all of the craftsmanship and commitment to quality.
Don't be fooled by fancy interiors or brand names - with PriceScope's easy-to-navigate site, you control all the specifications you need in a diamond to find the diamond that meets your desires and dreams.
4. Tatty Devine – Best Unique Jewelry Store
Location: 44 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EP
Established: 1999
You can find something a little bit different at Tatty Devine’s bustling Monmouth Street store, located between Soho, Covent Garden, and the Strand. Female-founded Tatty Devine, owned by Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine, has been creating playful, original jewelry pieces since 1999.
In addition to its brightly colored plastic jewelry, Tatty Devine also makes fun earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from everything from guitar picks to Legos. Retro upcycling at its finest.
Those who like their accessories bold and unabashedly kitsch will love Tatty Devine’s acrylic pieces. Each piece of jewelry by Tatty Devine is designed and made entirely in-house by a small, highly trained team, all passionate about art jewelry. This label is known for its quality and sense of fun, and if you want something bold and bright to commemorate your English adventure, this London jewelry store offers all that and much, much more.
5. Tiffany & Co. – Best Indulgent Experience
Location: 25 Old Bond St, London W1S 4QB
Established: 1837
Tiffany & Co. needs no introduction. With its first store in the UK opening on Old Bond Street in 1996, the legendary American jeweler has multiple outlets across London.
Featuring nearly 200 years of experience, this prestigious jeweler offers a wide variety of collections and styles. With its impressive collection of rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and charms, Tiffany & Co offers jewelry made of metal alloys infused with diamonds and colored gemstones.
With a beautiful Victorian façade that combines New York class with its 15,000 square foot space, clients enter under a beautiful Tiffany clock to discover dazzling fine jewelry and watches.
We won’t hold you back if you want to try Tiffany’s for yourself in the legendary city of London. These luxury stores largely justify their price by providing otherworldly, extravagant experiences, so you might as well enjoy them.
While online shopping will always present more convenience and value for money, the delight of an indulgence purchase should include all the bells and whistles.
At a fraction of the cost, our vetted vendors like Whiteflash, Blue Nile, and James Allen offer exceptional customer service and attention to detail when it comes to all your diamond purchasing.
If you are looking for better value for your money or a customizable piece, be sure to check them out.
6. Graff Diamonds – Best for Statement Diamonds
Location: 6-7 New Bond St, London W1S 3SJ
Established: 1960
A global hallmark of innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship, Graff was founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff OBE, who was fascinated with the emotional power of gemstones.
The jewelry made by Graff is some of the most extraordinary and outrageous in the world, with precious stones and diamonds fashioned into gloriously outré chokers and pendant earrings.
The perfect statement bling for when you’ve got millions to spare. We can still dream, can’t we?
The majority of people would rather spend their budget wisely, and we couldn’t agree more. Consider Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Cut Diamonds if you want Graff quality but not Graff price.
It is possible to get the same level of quality at a significantly lower price. If you are looking for colorless DEF IF-VVS Super Ideals, then discover their A CUT ABOVE® Collection Series, too.
You’ll find some of the highest quality natural and lab-grown diamonds at Whiteflash, along with exquisite designer settings and fine diamond jewelry.
7. Pandora – Best Affordable Jewelry
Location: Oxford Circus, 257, 259 Oxford St, London W1C 2DD
Established: 1982
In 1982, Pandora was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has been creating handcrafted, contemporary jewelry ever since. There’s something for everyone at Pandora, whether it’s the perfect gift or a token of your love.
If you’re looking for quality, affordable jewelry, this jewelry store is the perfect place for you.
Pandora offers beautiful and versatile rings, earrings, and necklaces in addition to its famous charms and bracelets. The brand recently released its first lab-grown diamond collection as part of its commitment to go carbon neutral by 2025.
Regardless of whether you can find a Pandora Jewelry store nearby, it’s always worthwhile to look. Several Pandora engraved charms are exclusive to their respective countries or states, making them an ideal souvenir.
8. The Great Frog – Best for Eclectic Jewelry
Location: 10 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QR
Established: 1972
A small black-fronted store in Carnaby, Central London, houses a collection of handcrafted “Rock ‘n’ Roll jewelry, including silver skull rings, skull pendants, Celtic jewelry, and solid silver biker trinkets. The Great Frog is off the beaten track and definitely a jewelry store in London to stop by.
Numerous renowned cultural figures, past and present, have endorsed the brand in the past.
A few of the names on their list include Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Kate Bush, and Alice Cooper, as well as more contemporary names like Lady Gaga, Kiera Knightly, and David Beckham; all of whom are big fans of the dark themes and symbolism in their pieces.
Now with 6 retail stores globally, nothing can beat the history and prestige of its flagship jewelry store in London.
Use PriceScope's easy-to-navigate site to steer clear of inflated diamond prices and see beyond brands. Using our user-friendly forums and experts, you'll find the best loose diamonds at the best prices.
Which London Jewelry Store is the Best?
In the United Kingdom, Hatton Garden may be the best place to buy diamonds and engagement rings, but you’ll almost always find a better deal online.
Assuming you’re okay with ditching the brand name and are looking to purchase directly from one of Hatton Garden’s bespoke jewelers – why not leave it behind entirely and shop at reputable online jewelers?
No doubt there’s a lot to see and do in London, but it might not be the best place to buy a diamond based on value for money. Online shopping at reputable retailers, like Whiteflash, Blue Nile, or James Allen, is the most efficient way to maximize your budget, time, and resources.
Having a local office in Ireland might make Blue Nile the best choice for UK customers since they provide hassle-free returns (and complete refunds including VAT).
You’ll find plenty of choices, quality, and pricing at any of our vetted, prominent jewelry retailers. Furthermore, they are always accessible without being swayed by salespeople or lured by the attractions of the city. Whether you prefer to shop online or in person, a jeweler recommended by us will be able to meet your needs.
You don’t have to cross the pond to find your dream diamond, with our highly reputable, vetted vendors you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
If you are looking to purchase a diamond of the highest quality available, remember to check out Whiteflash, Blue Nile, or James Allen before making your next diamond purchase.
