Jewellery has always been about storytelling,” says Sara Prentice, the creative director of UK-based jewellery maker Garrard, as she tours the brand’s jewellery display cases at the entrance of Bloomingdale’s in Dubai Mall. “At Garrard, we are custodians of a heritage that stretches back over 300 years, but the challenge is always to honour that history while making it relevant for today,” she explains.

Prentice gestures towards a diamond necklace from the new Lotus collection, its intricate design a testament to the house’s expertise in turning precious gemstones into bejewelled family heirlooms. “There’s a balance between tradition and evolution,” she notes. “Our archives are extraordinary, but they are not just a reference – they are a foundation from which we innovate. It’s about reinterpreting classic motifs in a way that resonates with a modern audience.”

It’s clear that the creative director, who joined Garrard in 2012, has a deep reverence for the craftsmanship that defines this house. The company was founded in London in 1735 by master silversmith George Wicks. It was then appointed as the first official Crown Jeweller for the British Royal Family in 1843, making it the longest-serving jeweller in history. 

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“When you work with artisans who have honed their skills over decades, you develop an incredible respect for the process. There is an emotional connection to every piece we create. It’s not just about beauty – it’s about meaning, about capturing a moment in time,” Prentice says. Her approach to design is one of considered evolution. “Luxury today is about individuality. Clients want pieces that speak to them personally, that reflect their journey,” she shares. “We’ve seen a real rise in bespoke requests, where customers want something entirely unique – a modern heirloom that will one day tell their story.”

Despite the weight of history, there is a playfulness in Prentice’s vision for the brand. “Jewellery should be worn, enjoyed, and lived in. The misconception that high jewellery is only for grand occasions is fading. Our collections are designed to be versatile, to move effortlessly from day to night.”

Her eyes light up when discussing the inspiration for the pieces she creates with her team in London. “Everything starts with a sketch, but inspiration can come from anywhere,” she notes. “Nature, architecture, even the fluidity of fabric. There is a dynamic energy in translating those influences into metal and stone.”