Irrefutably renowned for its masterful craftsmanship, The House of Garrard has justly maintained its position as one of the world’s most distinguished jewellers since its inception in 1735. As a proud bearer of the Royal Warrant, Garrard has crafted some of history’s most iconic pieces of jewellery, embellishing the lives of royalty and global luminaries for centuries. From the creation of breathtaking treasures within the British Crown Jewels to Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring, the brand’s legacy is unparalleled.
Under the visionary leadership of Sara Prentice, a formidable figure in the world of high jewellery, Garrard’s rich legacy flourishes through a harmonious blend of innovative design and unmatched artistry, epitomising the pinnacle of British luxury. Dream Weddings had the honour of sitting down with Prentice, the chief creative officer, to delve into the illustrious narrative of Garrard whilst discovering the alluring new Lotus collection. This exquisite collection encapsulates the very essence of nature’s beauty and intricate elegance, demonstrating that craftsmanship and heritage remain at the heart of Garrard’s enduring legacy.
What does it mean to you to be a part of one of the world’s oldest and most recognised jewellery houses? It’s a huge honour. There’s a real sense of responsibility when you’re designing for a house with Garrard’s heritage. You’re not just creating beautiful pieces – you’re adding to a story that spans almost 300 years.
Please tell us how you started out on the path to a career in jewellery? I studied jewellery design and manufacturing for four years and after graduating, I was fortunate to begin my career with Cartier in London as their bespoke designer. I was sent to Paris for training, which was an incredible experience, before returning to London where I remained in the role for 12 years. I was then headhunted by Graff Diamonds and spent six years there, further honing my skills in high jewellery. After a period at Fabergé, I found what truly feels like home at Garrard. I joined the House in 2012 and have had the privilege of leading the design team ever since.
You have created many exquisite pieces for celebrities and royals. Can you please tell us about your favourite? Some of the most meaningful pieces are those that reinterpret Garrard’s royal designs for a modern audience. I loved designing the Aloria collection, which takes the Sovereign motif and gives it a bold, empowering twist.
Is there a particular starting point in the design process? What inspires you and how do your visions come to life? It begins with a story – an element from the archives, a royal commission or a royal Garrard muse. Then we develop that narrative through sketches, materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
What is Garrard’s signature style, and can you please share some examples of this as seen in different collections? It’s a combination of heritage and modernity – always rooted in British history but never stuck in the past. The Wings motif, for example, has evolved into contemporary silhouettes, while the Aloria and 1735 collections reinterpret classic Garrard symbols with bold proportions.
Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring is one of Garrard’s most iconic creations – and one of the most famous pieces of jewellery of all time. Are clients still opting for sapphires as their wedding jewellery? Absolutely. Our sapphire and diamond cluster designs are timeless; they’re romantic, symbolic and offer a distinctive alternative to a traditional diamond. More and more brides are choosing coloured stones, particularly sapphires, drawn to their beauty and that enduring royal connection. At Garrard, we also discreetly set a tiny sapphire on the underside of
each wedding band as a subtle yet meaningful nod to ‘something blue’.
Garrard pieces have been worn for countless royal weddings – which is your favourite bridal moment and worn by whom? So many Garrard jewels belong to the Royal Household, which means they’re always present at royal weddings and historic occasions, each one adding a quiet sense of majesty. But if I had to choose a personal favourite, it would have to be the Fringe Tiara, worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. It’s such a beautifully versatile piece, designed by Garrard to be worn both as a tiara and as a necklace, and it comes with the most charming story. On the morning of the Queen’s wedding, just as her hairdresser was preparing to place the tiara on her head, the frame snapped. In true Garrard fashion, it was rushed across London under police escort, repaired in record time by our workshop and returned just in time for Her Majesty to walk down the aisle.
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your time with the house? Evolving the Garrard identity while staying true to its royal legacy is something that I am very proud of.
Please tell us about the inspiration behind the house’s latest collection, Lotus, and how the Garrard Lotus Flower Tiara, originally created for The Queen Mother in 1923, played an integral part in its creation? A wonderful image of The Queen Mother wearing the Lotus Tiara was the spark; it captured a timeless elegance that felt incredibly powerful. From there, the symbolism of the lotus flower itself, with its daily cycle of blooming in sunlight and retreating beneath the water at dusk, became a beautiful metaphor for renewal and transformation. We reimagined this historic motif with a modern, stylised twist, showcasing the gemstones with clean lines, bold silhouettes and a sense of effortless grace. The original tiara, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, continues to inspire us. With the Lotus collection, we’ve honoured our heritage while creating something entirely contemporary – it was imperative to me that the meaning met modern craftsmanship in this collection.
How many pieces have you created for the collection and please tell us about the design elements and the choice of stones used? We’ve created over 30 pieces for the Lotus collection, ranging from striking high jewellery pieces to refined everyday styles. Each design is defined by a stylised marquise-shaped motif – a contemporary expression of the lotus flower. When it came to gemstones, we were drawn to vibrant ombré sapphires in shades of blue, pink, purple and yellow, as well as tsavorites and diamonds, all chosen for their individuality, energy and light-reflecting brilliance. Every detail has been meticulously crafted, from the clean, symmetrical lines of each motif to the seamless graduation of colour, echoing the natural unfurling of lotus petals as they reach for the light. Castle settings allow the stones to radiate from every angle, bringing depth, dimension and a soft luminosity that elevates each design.
We know it’s difficult to choose, but if you had to pick just one, what is your favourite piece from the Lotus collection, and why? If I had to choose just one, it would be the slider pendant in tsavorites. There’s something truly captivating about the way it captures both movement and colour – it feels alive. The ombré of tsavorites flowing into diamonds is reminiscent of sunlight catching the edge of a petal just as it begins to unfurl. The slider mechanism gives it this wonderful versatility, allowing the wearer to adjust the length to suit any moment, while the stones are castle-set for maximum brilliance. It’s elegant, joyful and full of personality, just like the Lotus itself.
And your favourite piece from Garrard’s exquisite engagement ring collection? The 1735 cluster ring with an aquamarine – it’s classic Garrard but the aqua colour brings a fresh, uplifting energy. It’s a nod to tradition with a contemporary spirit.
What is the biggest trend for engagement rings at the moment? Individuality is key. People want rings that reflect their personality – coloured stones, unique cuts and bespoke designs are more popular than ever. We’ve moved away from a one-size-fits-all idea of love.
Do we go through changes when it comes to the most popular metal or colour for wedding jewellery, and what do you think drives this? There’s always movement in trends. Yellow gold has seen a real resurgence – it has a warmth and richness that feels both vintage and fresh. I think social media, fashion and even royal influences all play a part in what people are drawn to.
What advice do you have for those selecting a surprise engagement ring for their partner? Listen and observe – you’d be surprised how much people reveal in passing comments! And don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. We often help clients select something beautiful and meaningful that still leaves room for personalisation.
What advice do you have for brides when it comes to accessorising with jewellery on their wedding day? Choose pieces that complement your dress but also reflect who you are. Don’t be afraid to mix heirlooms with new designs. Jewellery tells a story – it should be deeply personal.
On a personal note, what is your most-treasured piece in your own jewellery box, and is there a story behind it? A vintage diamond and sapphire bracelet passed down from my grandmother. It’s not only beautiful but it reminds me of her strength and style. I love the idea of jewellery carrying history.
It sounds beautiful. Finally, please tell us, what is your vision for the future of Garrard? To continue to honour our incredible past while embracing innovation. I want Garrard to always feel relevant – to speak to a new generation of jewellery lovers without ever losing sight of what makes us unique.
Images courtesy of Garrard
