Hamilton & Inches is a luxury jeweller and jewellery designer based in Edinburgh, Scotland.[1] The company has held a royal warrant to the British monarch as goldsmiths, silversmiths, clock & watchmakers for over 120 years.[2] The company's main headquarters are on George Street in New Town, Edinburgh. The company was founded by Sir Robert Inches and his uncle James Hamilton in 1866.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Luxury goods |
| Founded | 1866 in New Town, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Founder | Sir Robert Kirk Inches |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 1 showroom and point of sale in Edinburgh |
Area served | |
Key people | Victoria Houghton (Chief executive officer) |
| Products |
|
| Website | hamiltonandinches |
In addition to manufacturing jewellery, the jewellers also historically held the honour of being "His Majesty’s Clockmaker and Keeper and Dresser of His Majesty’s Clocks, Watches and Pendulums in Palaces and Houses in his Ancient Kingdom of Scotland" in the Royal Household of Scotland. This role was renewed in 2010 as "Silversmiths and Clock Specialists to her Majesty The Queen".[3]
In addition to fine jewellery Hamilton and Inches is known for producing trophies for some of the world's most illustrious sporting events, including the Scottish Open and the Lanark Silver Bell.[4][5]
History
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Hamilton & Inches was founded in 1866 on Princes Street in Edinburgh by Robert Inches and his uncle James Hamilton. On 1 June 1866 Hamilton & Inches registered their hallmark with the Edinburgh assay office.[2][6]
In 1903 Robert Inches helped found the Edinburgh Association of Goldsmiths, Silversmiths and Watchmakers, ‘to prevent firms from selling ‘shoddy’ goods and protecting consumer interest’.[7]
Following Robert's death, the company passed to his son, Edward James Inches. In 1952 the company relocated from Princes Street to their present home of number 87 George Street.[7]
In 1992, the company was acquired by Asprey.[8] In 1998, there was a management buy out led by Julia Ogilvy, whose husband James is a second cousin of Prince Charles.[9][10] Ogilvy left the company in 2003.[11]
Recent Developments
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In 2016 Hamilton & Inches celebrated 150 years of business. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the jewellers to mark the occasion, and was presented with a bejewelled bowl designed after a loch on the river Tay.[12]
In 2021 the Hamilton & Inches main showroom underwent a restoration. The outside of the showroom was clad in Scottish Whinstone, while the interior was renovated with curved glass panels set in antique bronze and jewellery displayed on a carved breccia marble plinth with silk on top.[13]
Hamilton & Inches has also continued in its role as a clock and watch specialist, and has significant space allocated to the sale of Patek Philippe and Rolex watches, doubling this space in 2021.[14]
References
edit- ^ "Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh – Jewellery". VisitScotland. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Hamilton & Inches Ltd | Royal Warrant Holders Association". royalwarrant.org. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton & Inches - Walpole Member". thewalpole.co.uk. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "History & Awards | Hamilton Park Racecouse". hamilton-park.co.uk. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton & Inches showcase their greatest designs to celebrate 155yr anniversary - The NEN - North Edinburgh News". nen.press. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Our Timeline- Hamilton & Inches". hamiltonandinches.com. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Our History- Hamilton & Inches". hamiltonandinches.com. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ Asprey Annual Report and Accounts 1993. 31 March 1993 – via Companies House.
- ^ Asprey & Garrard Limited Accounts for the 52 weeks ended 28 March 1998. 28 March 1998 – via Companies House.
- ^ Petty, Moira (13 November 1998). "There's no such thing as class". p. 21.
- ^ "Hamilton & Inches Holdings Limited: Officers". Companies House. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "The Royal Visit".
- ^ "Hamilton & Inches have had a makeover". 26 April 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton & Inches doubles size of its Rolex room unveiling revamped Edinburgh store". 29 April 2021.