Celebrating 100 years of Retail Jeweller

A coffee table book marks the jewellery bible’s centenary, as well as telling the story of the industry over the last 100 years

By Amy Wakeham

Retail Jeweller has released a coffee table book to celebrate its 100th anniversary, supported by Allied Gold. Written by journalist and author Rachael Taylor, the book illuminates both the story of the jewellery trade magazine and the evolution of the UK industry over the past century.

Retail Jeweller: 100 Years in Jewellery features in-depth interviews with a selection industry legends, accompanied by original photography. Those reflecting on their careers include former De Beers executive Stephen Lussier, Rapaport founder Martin Rapaport, Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy, Boodles chairman Michael Wainwright, broadcaster and fine jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy, former CEO of the Company of Master Jewellers Willie Hamilton, Mark Addlestone and Anna Blackburn of Beaverbrooks, and jewellery designers Annoushka Ducas, Stephen Webster and Shaun Leane.

The book also takes a look back at key trends and moments in jewellery in the 20th and early 21st centuries, with Taylor creating a timeline of 100 key moments in the industry over the past century from 1925 to 2025. She has also profiled standout watch and jewellery icons , including Pandora’s charm bracelet, the Tiffany & Co. diamond solitaire setting, Garrard’s tiaras, the Cartier Love bangle, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

Taylor also reached out to former editors and executives who worked at Retail Jeweller over the years, who gave their reflections on their time at the magazine for the book. Those featured included Alison Marshall, Ash Allibhai, Frances Hopes, Gill Gledhill and Jenni Middleton.

“This book is a celebration of Retail Jeweller’s remarkable history, as well as a record for the entire industry, captured – as always – by a publication that has stood the test of time,” says Taylor. “Working on this centenary project was particularly special, as, back in 2008, Retail Jeweller gave me my very first job in the jewellery industry.

“I loved having an excuse to dive into the archives, whether that was reading old copies of Retail Jeweller at the Goldsmiths’ Company Library, or scrolling newspaper archives for industry news. Equally rewarding was putting together the Industry Legends section of the book. Compiling a list like this is never easy – how do you narrow down such a vast and vibrant trade into just a handful of names? But I think we arrived at an incredible mix of voices: true business heavy-hitters and inspiring creative minds who have each made a lasting impact.”

A limited number of the books are available to purchase for £25 including postage. Click here to order yours now.