There’s a pulse to London - a rhythm of heritage and innovation. It’s a city that doesn’t just preserve tradition; it’s constantly reimagining it. And there are fewer places where this dynamic is more evident than in the capital’s enduring relationship with fine craftsmanship, especially silversmithing. Our craft isn’t just a niche or a trade here - it’s actually part of London’s DNA.
London’s relationship with silver isn’t incidental - it’s foundational. In medieval times, the city was the political, commercial and cultural heart of England. As trade routes expanded and wealth concentrated in the city, so too did the demand for silver - a metal prized not just for its beauty, but for its function as currency, gift, and symbol of power.
By the 12th century, silversmiths were already operating in and around the City of London, crafting for churches, the Crown and the aristocracy. Their proximity to patrons, power, and precious materials gave London’s makers a distinct advantage. The craft became closely associated with the prestige of the city itself - a visible expression of wealth, piety, and social standing.
The establishment of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths formalised this. Founded to regulate the trade, the Company imposed strict quality controls, trained apprentices, and protected the integrity of the craft. From 1478, the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office at Goldsmiths’ Hall began testing and marking items made of precious metal, giving birth to the hallmarking system still in use today.
As London grew, so did its appetite for splendour. During the Tudor and Stuart periods, commissions demanded more than technical skill - they required artistry, narrative, and symbolism. London’s smiths rose to the challenge, blending classical motifs with innovative techniques to craft works that told stories as much as they displayed wealth. The Industrial Revolution might have altered the economics of production, but it also saw many of London’s finest workshops reasserting their commitment to traditional methods, setting a benchmark for quality that persists to this day.
But history alone doesn’t explain why craftsmanship continues to flourish here. What makes London exceptional is the way it layers the old with the new. Centuries of technique meet cutting-edge innovation in a city that has never been afraid to adapt. From the workshops of Georgian Clerkenwell to the studios of today’s design-led makers, London’s silversmiths have always responded to the times without ever compromising on excellence.
At Grant Macdonald, this is a philosophy we live by. From our London workshop, we combine traditional handcrafting with advanced processes like 3D printing to produce pieces that are not only beautifully made but utterly unique. It's a balance that speaks directly to the modern client - one who appreciates legacy but wants something truly personal, and undeniably forward-looking.
London’s influence also extends far beyond technique. It’s a meeting place of cultures, ideas, and aesthetics. Designers and makers here are inspired not just by the city’s past, but by its diversity, its architecture, its art and fashion. It’s a place where an 18th-century chalice might sit beside a minimalist sculpture, and where commissions might range from state gifts to statement jewellery, from ceremonial pieces to bespoke trophies.
This international outlook is matched by international trust. Clients from around the world - from royal households to luxury brands - continue to seek out London-made craftsmanship. Why? Because the city stands for something. A London hallmark is more than a mark of metal purity. It’s a seal of integrity, artistry, and excellence.