London’s Famous Hatton Garden
Referred to as London’s jewellery district, Hatton Garden has become the centre of the UK Diamond trade, home to over 300 jewellery businesses. From ultrasonic cleaners to Colombian emeralds, Hatton Garden is the number one stop for any jewellery enthusiast when visiting London.
The History of Hatton Garden
But far from the bustling jewellery district we see today, Hatton Garden was once the site of the Bishop of Ely’s palace, dating back to the 12 and 13th century. All that survives of the palace today is St Etheldreda's Church, one of the oldest churches in England and one of only two buildings in London dating to the reign of Edward I.
Under Elizabeth I, Sir Christopher Hatton established a mansion on the site and acquired the garden and orchard of Ely Place - formerly part of the Bishop of Ely’s palace. The land remained in possession of the Hatton family, and by the 1600s, it had been developed into a desirable residential area.
By the early 19th century, Hatton Garden began gaining fame in the jewellery trade. As the Hatton family began to sell off parts of their estate, wealthy merchants moved in, transforming the area into a hub for high quality jewellery. Today, Hatton garden hosts hundreds of jewellery businesses, including major names such as De Beers.
Thanks to its long and rich history attracting a wealth of skilled craftsmen and experts, Hatton Garden is now one of the world's top destinations for buying and selling jewellery.
Image courtesy of @hattongdn
How do I Choose a Hatton Garden Jeweller?
With so many options, choosing the right jeweller can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you may want to consider the following:
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The reputation of the business
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The quality of the items they offer
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The in house expertise
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The reviews from previous customers
Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen jeweller, ensuring they provide you with excellent customer service and support throughout the process.
At Hatton Jewels, we offer a range of services, so whether you're looking to create your next bespoke piece, sell jewellery or purchase your next treasure to add to your collection, look no further.
Browse our pre-owned collections here, or if you’re looking to sell, fill in this quick form to recieve your free no obligations quote today.
Other places to visit in the area:
If you plan on visiting Hatton Garden why not make the most of your visit with some of these top nearby attractions:
Leather Lane Market
Image courtesy of @LeatherLaneMarket
Take a break from jewellery and refuel at one of London’s largest street food markets. Dating back to 1666, Leather Lane Market hosts hundreds of venders offering a range of global cuisines. The Market is open Monday – Friday from 7am to 7pm and is conveniently only a three minute walk from Hatton Garden.
St Etheldreda's Church
Image courtesy of LondonLivingHistory.com
Step back in time by visiting St Etheldreda's Church. Founded in 1300, St Etheldreda's Church is the only building that remains of Hatton Gardens origins as the Monastery of Ely, founded in 673. As Grade I listed Heritage building this impressive and historical Church is a must see for history lovers.
Bleeding Heart Bistro:
If a sit down meal takes your fancy, visit the Bleeding Heart Bistro; a rustic bistro serving delicious French cuisine with an extensive wine list, all set in a stylish dining room with a vintage feel. The restaurant is handily located on Greville Street off Hatton Garden and has a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for the summer.
Ye Olde Mitre
Image courtesy of @YeOldeMitreHolborn
Finish off your day with a refreshing drink at the Ye Olde Mitre. Built in 1547, this traditional London pub offers a range of real ales on tap and great homemade bar snacks, in a setting rich in history. Movie fans might recognise it from Snatch (2000), starring Brad Pitt and Jason Statham.