Hatton Garden, London: History, Jewelry, and Useful Insight
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Hatton Garden Located in Holborn, in the London Borough of Camden and it is widely known as the Centre of the UK’s jewelry and diamond trade. For over a century it has been a place where gems are sold, brought cut and displayed. And it also has some of London’s most skilled craftspeople work. Today, Hatton Garden remains to put historic legacy with modern knowledge, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in fine jewelry.
To increase in value Hatton Garden fully, it helps to understand where it came from and how it operates today.
The range now known as Hatton Garden was originally part of the land of the Bishops of Ely which was used as gardens and woods beyond the medieval City of London. This open land remained largely untouched for centuries until 1581, when Queen Elizabeth I decided it to her Lord President, Sir Christopher Hatton. As London expanded, the gardens were built over and the district gradually adopted his name. Hatton Garden had become a mixed residential and commercial area, by the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the flawless reminders of its early history is St Etheldreda’s Church in Ely Place, one of the oldest remaining medieval churches in London, which is still in use today.
It is located near the City of London, Hatton Garden’s identity as a jewelry district developed in the 19th century. It’s, along with access to banks, insurers, and transport routes, made it perfect for handling high-value goods. Skilled jewelers and diamond dealers—many connected to European diamond centres such as Amsterdam and Antwerp—established workshops and exchange offices in the area.
Hatton Garden had become London’s principal jewelry quarter by the late 1800s. Over time, it established a tightly connected network of specialists, including diamond dealers, stone cutters, setters, designers, valuers, goldsmiths and secure vault operators. This attention of expertise remains its defining feature, with around 300 jewelry-related businesses in the district today.
Modern Hatton Garden is not a typical shopping street but a working trade environment. Many grounds have discreet entrances and go by an appointment, combining trade showrooms with workshops and offices on upper floors.
The area is on the whole known for:
• Engagement and wedding rings
• Loose diamonds and coloured gemstones
• Modified and custom-made jewelry
• Jewelry repairs, remodeling, and valuations
Numerous globally major companies have been based here over the years, including De Beers, underlining Hatton Garden’s role in the global diamond trade.
Useful Advice for Visitors and Buyers
For those planning to buy jewelry, Hatton Garden offers advantages—provided visitors approach it considerately.
It is sensible to visit multiple jewelers, as charges, design styles, and stone quality can be different. Trustworthy dealers will explain the 4 Cs of diamonds and provide recognized certification, which is most commonly from the GIA or HRD.
One of Hatton Garden’s strong suit is customized work. Hiring a custom piece often costs no more than purchasing a branded high-street item, while allowing better control over design and materials. Security measures can feel official, but they are standard in a district treatment valuable goods; professional service is the standard.
Opening Hours and Position
You can find Hatton garden between Holborn Circus and Clerkenwell Road.. Most businesses trade during conservative weekday hours, which are usually Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.it has limited Saturday opening are available, with most grounds closed on Sundays. Also appointments are recommended for consultations or custom-built jewelry.
Crime, public Attention and Vaults
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The concentration of wealth has also brought disrepute. About £7 million value of jewels were stolen from Graff Diamonds In 1993. The part became internationally well-known again in 2015. It happened when a group of thieves bankrupt a safe-deposit vault over the Easter weekend. Courts later established that around £14 million was stolen; most of it was never recovered.
The Neighboring Area
Hatton Garden forms part of a historically rich compact of central London. Just a few meters away, Ely Place offers a sight of medieval London, Leather Lane Market makes this area more busier by establishing weekday food stalls, and Clerkenwell is recognized for its architectural legacy, design studios, and typical pubs.
Yes—if you have a clear purpose. Hatton Garden is not designed for a casual look around or tourism alone. Its value lies in capability, expertise, and access to specialist acquaintance. For those buying fine jewelry, especially diamonds or engagement rings, it remains the most focused and competitive jewelry district in the UK.
Quietly operating behind secure doors in the Centre of London, Hatton Garden endures because it effectively combines centuries of history with a living and Professional trade.
Sri Lanka is globally celebrated as the “Island of Gems,” and FACETS Sri Lanka stands as the nation’s most prestigious gem and jewellery exhibition. For over three decades, this international trade show has drawn miners, cutters, jewellers, collectors, and global buyers to Colombo, offering a world-class platform to discover Sri Lanka’s exceptional gemstones especially its famed Ceylon sapphires.
Below is a clear, engaging, and easy-to-read guide to FACETS Sri Lanka, complete with verified event details and practical advice for first-time visitors.
Dates and Venue for FACETS Sri Lanka 2026
The next edition of the show will take place as follows:
Dates: January 3–5, 2026
Venue: Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Colombo, Sri Lanka
This modern, upscale venue is perfectly suited for international exhibitions, with spacious halls, luxury facilities, and easy access from Colombo’s city center.
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Past editions have been held at high-end locations such as the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, reflecting the event’s longstanding prestige within the global gem trade.
What to Expect at FACETS Sri Lanka
FACETS is not just another gem show — it is a curated experience that blends Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage with modern global trade.
Wide Range of Gemstones and Jewellery
Expect to see an impressive selection of loose gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, garnets, spinels, alexandrites, and rare colored stones. Finished jewellery in both contemporary and traditional Sri Lankan styles is also widely showcased.
International Trade and Networking
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The event attracts exhibitors and buyers from around the world. You will meet miners, gem cutters, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, jewellery designers, and industry professionals all in one place.
Special Exhibitions and Side Events
FACETS often includes additional experiences such as:
Networking events
Educational sessions
Cultural showcases
Gem history and mining presentations
Sapphire-themed evenings and special industry gatherings
These provide deeper insight into Sri Lanka’s gemstone legacy and offer valuable opportunities for networking.
Authentic Sri Lankan Gem Culture
Sri Lanka’s gem industry is deeply rooted in its history. FACETS often highlights this heritage through displays, expert talks, and opportunities to connect with those directly involved in gem mining and cutting.
First-Time Visitor Tips: How to Make the Most of FACETS
Register Early
Registration is important, especially if you’re attending as a buyer or trader. Spots fill quickly due to the show’s international appeal.
Know Your Purpose
FACETS can be overwhelming because of the vast selection. Decide whether you’re there to buy, explore, learn, or network this helps you prioritize your time.
Prepare Documentation
If you plan to purchase gemstones, make sure to understand export procedures and keep all invoices and certifications organized. Sri Lanka has a streamlined but proper system for gem exportation.
Explore Side Activities
Mine tours, professional breakfast sessions, and cultural events can offer insight far beyond what’s on display at booths.
Compare and Ask Questions
Don’t rush to buy the first gemstone you see. Speak with multiple vendors, compare color, clarity, treatments, and price, and always request certification for high-value stones.
Plan Accommodation Early
January is a busy month in Colombo, and hotels near the venue fill quickly. Booking early ensures convenience and better rates.
Who Should Attend FACETS Sri Lanka
FACETS welcomes a wide variety of visitors, including:
Gemstone buyers and collectors
Jewellery designers and manufacturers
Lapidarists and gem cutters
International gem wholesalers and exporters
Gem enthusiasts and students
Whether you are sourcing gemstones for business or exploring Sri Lanka’s gem culture for the first time, FACETS offers an inspiring and enriching experience.
Final Thoughts
FACETS Sri Lanka is a landmark event for anyone interested in gemstones and jewellery. It blends the authenticity of Sri Lanka’s gem heritage with the sophistication of a modern international trade show. For first-time visitors, it is an unforgettable opportunity to learn, discover, and connect with the heart of one of the world’s most respected gemstone regions.