Hester Clarke is now into it’s fifth generation of the Clarke Family. After over 125 years, we still strive to give the same professional and friendly service we have been offering our customers since 1892. Read more about our history below.
1892
Wilson & Gill founded in Regent Street
Mr Wilson & Mr Gill opened their jewellery shop in April 1892 at 134 Regent Street London. Most of their work at this time was Silversmithing, producing elegant and beautiful centerpieces and trinkets that were classic of the late Victorian period
1913
Victor Clarke Joins Wilson & Gill
After learning the trade at a Birmingham jewellery manufacturer, Victor Clarke Joins Mr. Wilson and Mr. Gill as the third partner in the business
1924
Lawson & Raphael join Wilson & Gill
Victor's sons Lawson and Raphael Clarke join the business, as the Second Generation of the Clarke family
1942
Lawson Clarke becomes a Fellow of The Gemmological Association
Gem-A, which began as a Gemmological Committee of the National Association of Goldsmiths, first introduced a gemmology qualification in 1908 in order to encourage jewellers to understand the gems they were selling and to identify the fakes
1946
Wilson & Gill become a limited company
Following the conclusion of World War 2, Wilson & Gill register as a limited company
1947
Lawson and Raphael Clarke take over
Following Victor's death his two sons, Lawson & Raphael, take over the running of the business
1955
Christopher Clarke joins Wilson & Gill
The third generation of Clarke's joins the company, when Lawson's son Christopher Clarke joins Wilson & Gill having trained at Biggs of Farnham
1969
Ann Clarke joins the Family Business
Christopher's wife Ann joins the Family Business as one of the third generation. With a focus on visual marketing and display, Ann quickly makes a big contribution and becomes a valued member of the Family team.
1969
Hester Clarke is born
Lawson, his son Christoper and Christopher's wife Ann buy out Raymond Hester of Hester and Sons, who had premises in Aylesbury and Princes Risborough. Raymond was looking to retire, and hoped to pass his family owned business on to a family who shared his values. The decision was taken to relocate from London to take over the business that served the heart of Buckinghamshire. Wilson & Gill and Hester & Sons become Hester Clarke Ltd
1977
Nicola Clarke joins the Family Business
Nicola Clarke joins Hester Clarke, having trained at George Tarratt's of Leicester. Nicola became the Fourth generation of Clarke to work for the company. Nicola holds her RJ Dip, and became a Director of Hester Clarke before her retirement.
1979
Julia Clarke joins the family business
Julia Clarke joins the company, having trained at E W Payne of Bromley. Julia holds her RJ Dip, as well as being a Fellow of the Gemmological Association, and a Fellow of the National Association of Goldsmiths. Julia was Managing Director of Hester Clarke before her retirement.
2007
Michael Ellis joins family business
Julia's son Michael joins Hester Clarke, becoming the Fifth Generation of the family to work in the company
2017
Celebrating 125 Years
Hester Clarke celebrates 125 years since the founding of the original company in 1892
2019
Hester Clarke moves online
Following Julia & Nicola's retirement and the closing of our Aylesbury Showroom, Julia's son Michael takes over the Hester Clarke name after working in the family business for over 13 years. With hundreds of pieces of British made fine jewellery, the new website aims to provide the same great quality and service the family has become renowned for over the last 125 years.