Our Services

Buy, Sell Gems, Fine Jewellery and Diamonds

Established in 1948, Holts are renowned gemstone specialists to the jewellery trade. With a unique team of highly experienced gemmologists, lapidaries and designers, we pride ourselves on supplying the widest choice of natural precious gemstones and gemstone-set jewellery in the UK. Our stones are sourced from all around the world, and many are cut in our own workshops. All our pieces are made to the highest standard, with quality craftsmanship in every piece.

Our specialised services to the trade have always been the engine that drives our business, and we are keen to work with fellow jewellers and the public to sustain high standards within the UK jewellery industry.

At Holts we stock a large range of calibrated precious and semi-precious gemstones, including Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires and also the more unusual gemstones. Availability and price can be confirmed by contacting our sales floor on 020 7405 5286 or email info@holtsgems.com

If you wish to sell, we will always view loose and mounted gemstone jewellery at our showroom. No appointment necessary.

Bespoke Jewellery Design

Holts, award-winning centre of  bespoke jewellery design and globally renowned craftsmanship, is the natural choice for customers seeking something truly special. Using the latest 3D design software, our jewellery design team is proud to be able to help you select gems and transform your ideas into a unique creation. With one of the widest selections of natural precious gemstone jewellery in the UK, and a philosophy of going the extra mile in finding exactly what you want, for whatever the occasion, Holts is your one-stop shop.

Jewellery Valuations

At Holts we have been dealing with stones and jewellery for over sixty years. The experience and knowledge we have acquired over this time is available to you in our valuation and gem testing service. Our on-site service will provide you with detailed identification of the jewellery pieces with their descriptions and values for the purpose of insurance valuations.

Insurance valuations are priced from £40 + VAT, but depend on the individual item (average price £60 + VAT). There is no need to book an appointment, but we only perform valuations during the week (Monday – Friday) with an average wait time of around 30 minutes. Valuations are done on site, so there is the added security of knowing that your precious item will never leave our showroom. We kindly ask that you bring along any documentation associated with the piece to be valued.

Gemstone Testing

For gemstone testing, our qualified Gemmologists will provide you with a certificate which states the type and variety of gem material, as well as a list of all the physical characteristics of the piece, such as weight and measurements.

Pearl and Bead Stringing

Holts is renowned for its stringing service, which may involve creating a completely new necklace using a strand of gemstones and clasp of your choice, or restringing inherited pearl necklaces.

Technology Services/CAD (Computer Assisted Design) Jewellery Design

Working alongside bespoke designers and goldsmiths, CAD designers help turn hand-drawn jewellery designs into a three dimensional reality, however complicated or intricate. The role of the CAD designer is somewhere between bespoke jewellery designer and wax carver.

Sitting down with a CAD designer to discuss your idea, marvel at how it is then interpreted into a three dimensional object on a computer screen. The model is viewable from any angle on and any distance from the computer screen, and with the help of 'rendered' snap-shots of the virtual model, you can also see how your idea will look in precious metal and with gemstones before its even been made. Your designer will then help you make any revisions to the piece before it gets cast; such is the fantastically flexible nature of CAD.

Once you are happy with the design, it is transferred onto a rapid-prototyping machine that transforms the image into a wax model, ready for casting. The cast metal piece is then passed on to the goldsmith to be spotlessly finished, polished and have any stones set.

CAD designers are not only required to understand CAD software and CAM hardware, they must also have a good practical understanding of traditional jewellery manufacturing — a rare combination. CAD/CAM makes the impossible possible.

Lapidary - Cutting and Polishing
Holts in-house lapidary department is a testimony to the best British gemstone cutting and design.  We cater for all designs from simple cabochons to complex carvings, drilling, polishing and faceting. Using our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, Holts has produced some of the finest craftspeople in the the world.
Over the years our lapidaries have cut a Star Sapphire weighing in at approximately 10,000 ct (the worlds largest at the time), restored artefacts for Queen Elizabeth damaged during the fire at Windsor Castle and manufactured gemstones used in the Albert Memorial in Central London. Whether for a new design or a repair, you can be rest assured of the finest quality lapidary work at Holts.