Mappin and Webb

In 1775, at the age of 18, Jonathan Mappin started a small cutlery workshop in Sheffield. Within a year the first Mappin hallmark was recorded at the assay office and in 1780 Jonathan Mappin was given the Freedom of the Cutlers Company.

In 1849, the first London showroom opened at 17 Fore Street; shortly afterwards the eldest brother was knighted, becoming Sir William Mappin but as the business grew the brothers each took a different path.

Today the company forms part of the successful, privately owned retail group Aurum Holdings. It continues to be known worldwide for its classic table silverware and as a stockist of high-end watch brands but it is through its jewellery that the renaissance is being driven ñ simple, elegant, feminine and witty Mappin & Webb continues to be a luxury goods business that has appeal 250 years after the imagination of one man set it on its path.

The relationship with the monarchy began in the late 19th Century and was formalised when HM Queen Victoria granted a royal warrant to Mappin & Webb their first as silversmiths, in 1897, the year of The Queenís diamond jubilee. Mappin & Webb has held a royal warrant as silversmiths to each of the five subsequent sovereigns and today holds a Royal Warrant as Silversmiths to HM The Queen and to HRH The Prince of Wales.

The companyís longstanding royal connection was further cemented by the appointment of Mappin & Webbís master craftsman in 2012, to the position of Crown Jeweller. The Crown Jeweller is the custodian of the Crown Jewels and is responsible for preparing them for the State opening of Parliament and other state occasions. The appointment of Mappin & Webbís craftsman to the role of Crown Jeweller is a great honour for the British brand.