Fit for a Queen

When George Pragnell founded his jewellery house in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1954, he carried with him an extraordinary foundation of royal connection. As a young apprentice at Biggs of Maidenhead, George had the honour of caring for Queen Mary from 1930 until her passing in 1953. In those formative years, he even found himself entrusted with entertaining the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, whose grandmother delighted in browsing the treasures on display. These early experiences instilled in George a deep understanding of the unique role jewellery plays within the royal household—not merely as ornamentation, but as a vessel of history, memory, and love. That understanding continues to guide Pragnell to this day.

A Heritage of Royal Jewels

Pragnell’s expansion over the decades has only deepened its royal connections. Through the acquisition of Philip Antrobus (est. 1815) — creator of Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring — and George Tarratt (est. 1915), Pragnell inherited not just archives, but stories of devotion immortalised in diamonds and gold. Family ties have reinforced this legacy. George’s son Jeremy married into the Waters & Blott family, respected Bond Street jewellers since 1850, while later generations linked Pragnell with the Garrards — Crown Jewellers from 1843 to 2007. This remarkable lineage of craftsmanship, artistry, and royal service remains a living influence on the pieces Pragnell designs today.

A Proposal for the Ages

Few rings in history carry the romance and resonance of Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring. In 1946, Prince Philip of Greece sought a jewel worthy of his beloved Princess Elizabeth. His mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, gifted him a dazzling antique tiara. From this tiara’s diamonds, Bond Street jeweller Philip Antrobus Ltd created a ring of timeless splendour: a three-carat round brilliant diamond in platinum, flanked by pavé-set stones. The Queen wore this cherished ring throughout her life, a constant reminder of love’s endurance.

In 2016, to mark the 70th anniversary of the royal proposal, Pragnell introduced the Antrobus engagement ring — not a replica, but a refined modern interpretation. Crafted in platinum and set with GIA-certified diamonds of peerless brilliance, it offers discerning couples the opportunity to celebrate their own love stories while carrying forward a legacy fit for a Queen.

The Queen wore this cherished ring throughout her life, a constant reminder of love’s endurance

A Wedding Gift of Dazzling Grandeur

When Princess Elizabeth wed Prince Philip on 20th November 1947, she adorned her wrist with a gift that symbolised not only matrimonial joy but also the union of two great families. Commissioned by Prince Philip and crafted by Antrobus Ltd, the bracelet was fashioned from the same tiara that had yielded the engagement ring’s diamonds. Its geometric beauty and brilliance were worn proudly by the Queen throughout her reign, a signature jewel for royal occasions.

Upon acquiring Antrobus, Pragnell inherited the original design. In honour of the Platinum Anniversary of the royal engagement, the jeweller created a one-of-a-kind Antrobus bracelet. With more than 320 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing over 45 carats, this heirloom masterpiece was painstakingly handcrafted over three months in British workshops. It is an enduring testament to the artistry and devotion that define both Pragnell and the monarchy.

Pragnell’s legacy is more than a catalogue of glittering jewels — it is a story of devotion to tradition, to craft, and to the enduring romance of the Crown. From Queen Mary’s visits in the 1930s to modern collaborations with royal foundations, each chapter reaffirms Pragnell’s place within the history of the British monarchy.

For those who seek not just jewellery, but a connection to a heritage defined by elegance, duty, and devotion, Pragnell offers a rare opportunity: to wear a piece of history, reimagined for today, yet always royal at heart.