There are few cities in the world where history and craftsmanship intertwine quite like they do in London. For centuries, our twisting streets have echoed with the rhythm of the silversmith’s hammer - a sound that tells the story of artistry, innovation, and enduring excellence. At Grant Macdonald London, we feel a deep connection to that heritage. Our workshop sits within a lineage of makers who’ve shaped the world’s understanding of luxury and design.
London’s story with precious metals begins in the medieval heart of the City. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, granted a royal charter in 1327, became the cornerstone of the trade. They introduced the hallmark - that tiny, powerful symbol guaranteeing quality - and to this day, every piece made from gold or silver in Britain bears its legacy. Goldsmiths’ Hall, on Foster Lane, still operates as the Assay Office for London, testing and marking fine metals just as it did seven centuries ago. What began as a simple mark of trust became a global benchmark for integrity in craftsmanship. The City’s guilds didn’t just regulate standards; they cultivated a culture of excellence that London silversmiths continue to uphold today.
The 17th century brought new brilliance to the craft. As French Huguenot silversmiths fled persecution, many settled in London, bringing with them intricate continental styles and refined techniques. Among them was Paul de Lamerie - a name now synonymous with the height of Rococo silverwork. His ornate creations, born from a fusion of European artistry and English precision, helped establish London as a true capital of luxury.
Neighbourhoods like Clerkenwell and Hatton Garden soon buzzed with creative energy. Workshops clustered together, sharing ideas, materials, and ambition. London became a city of innovators - a place where design was constantly evolving. And although history remembers the great masters, the story of silversmithing is also filled with quieter voices - many of them women. In the 18th century, widows of craftsmen often took over workshops, registering their own maker’s marks and continuing production under their own name.
From royal commissions to livery treasures, London’s silversmiths have long been entwined with the symbols of British prestige. The City’s proximity to monarchy, government, and trade meant its craftsmen shaped objects of ceremony, diplomacy, and celebration - silver that told stories of power and pride. That tradition lives on today. The Goldsmiths’ Company still supports and educates new generations of makers, ensuring the craft continues into the modern era. For those of us who work in the industry, the past isn’t just our history - it’s an influence on how we design, create and uphold standards.
London’s silversmithing legacy isn’t confined to museum cabinets or history books. It lives in every hallmark, every engraving, every design that leaves a modern workshop. At Grant Macdonald London, we’re proud to craft in the same city that gave birth to the hallmark, welcomed master artisans from across Europe, and built a global reputation for excellence. The City has always been a place where craft and creativity meet - and we’re honoured to keep that tradition alive.