It is important to us that our clients enjoy their jewellery with complete peace of mind. At 8 Ely Place, our team are passionate about the quality and sustainability of the fine jewellery they create. Our diamond and gemstone buyer, Thomas Lowton, uses his wealth of expertise to ensure that each and every precious stone we select follows our principles. The larger and rarer the stone, the more challenging it is to source to our quality standards. There is no substitute for experience, and our team members combine their decades in the industry to assess every diamond or gemstone that is chosen to be a part of our collections or for a specific client request.
Every diamond which enters the UK must adhere to the Kimberley Process. This international programme, to which the UK is a signatory, aims to prevent the circulation of conflict diamonds around the world. We would encourage our clients to explore the official Kimberley Process website to learn more: https://www.kimberleyprocess.com
The Kimberley Process is a subject we at Prestons take extremely seriously. Our team works hard to ensure that every diamond we showcase upholds these values.
A diamond’s certification describes its unique characteristics and establishes its authenticity, providing complete peace of mind. Many of the diamonds Prestons showcases are independently certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is internationally renowned as a reputable and reliable organisation. Each certified diamond will be accompanied by physical or digital papers detailing its features, confirming its authenticity and quality.
While a diamond’s colour, cut, clarity and carat help to determine its value, there is no substitute for human expertise in deciding the quality of a stone’s unique personality. In selecting our diamonds and gemstones, our buyer only chooses those whose beauty exceeds their on-paper certification. Our showroom teams will always have an open and honest conversation with any client about their specific requirements and preferences, in order to find the perfect stone for them.
While gemstones are typically mined on a smaller scale than diamonds, their sourcing still comes with inherent responsibilities. It is important to us that our gemstones are not only the highest in quality, but that they tread as lightly on the world around us as possible. From ruby to tanzanite, sapphire to emerald, our gemstone buyer sources stones from some of the largest and most trusted suppliers in the UK and around the world. Many of these are accredited members of groups such as the ICA (International Coloured Gemstone Association) and RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council).
The mining of diamonds and gemstones requires a careful balance between accessing these natural materials and protecting the environment in which they form. Modern responsible mining practices prioritise the wellbeing of the people involved in the process, guaranteeing fair pay, safe conditions, and support for the local community during and after a mine’s lifetime. In accordance with the Kimberley Process, these mines must be conflict-free. Once the mine is decommissioned, the surrounding landscape is restored to its natural condition.
Diamond and gemstone jewellery is a celebration of our natural world and the skill of those who create these beautiful objects. Here at Prestons, we care about the people and places throughout every stage of our supply chain, and make every effort to ensure they are respected.
Our showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds are always here to help and continue to offer the advice and guidance that has been our hallmark since 1869.
Over the years, generations of families have become customers of Prestons, and many have gone on to become friends. Today, our teams look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds.
Surrey
Our Guildford showroom, which is now located on the opposite side of the high street, is designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it now occupies. The store features newly extended spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases, alongside a comfortable lounge to allow our clients to explore our bridal and fine jewellery collections. Explore This ShowroomCheshire
Located in the heart of Wilmslow, this showroom features a selection of spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases. Of course, the bridal collections Prestons have always been famous for remain a prominent feature of the store and surround the famous Aquarium Bar which sits at its centre. Explore This ShowroomYorkshire
This showroom, located in Victoria Gate, features extensive Rolex showcases alongside a discrete VIP lounge. Every element of the interior design radiates the values of the Rolex crown: excellence, precision and attention to detail from louvre walls in walnut, to the careful calibration of colours and patterns within the fittings and furnishings. Explore This ShowroomNorfolk
Located on the historic Norwich high street, Prestons Norwich has been expanded and redesigned to reflect the character of the building it has occupied for over 150 years. The showroom features collections by Patek Philippe, Rolex and TUDOR alongside our fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom