Out with the Old and In with the New Crown Jeweler

It may come as a surprise to some to hear that the world’s oldest jewelry house – and the jeweller of the Queen of Britain – has actually been replaced.  After a strong and long-standing relationship, the British jewelry house Garrad is no longer the official Crown Jeweller to Britain’s Royal Family.  Announced last year, the formal break with Garrad ends their 160 year relationship.  Garrad was entrusted with this royal position in 1843 by then Queen Victoria; the position has never been held by any other jeweler or jewelry house since then.

Apparently, the times have changed.

Buckingham Palace stated that it had no issue with Garrad, simply that it was a “time for change.” 

Coming down on this statement fast and hard were the media who eagerly pointed out that Garrad had recently named Christina Aguilera as their new ambassador – a development the Royal Family may have found an “embarrassment.”  In addition, Garrad has shown they are pursuing new avenues of interest, which stray from their traditional role, in their decision to seek out relationships with other pop stars such as the children of Mick Jagger.

It is worth noting that the Palace has annouced this changing of the guards right at the time of the retirement of the current holder of the official title (and Garrad employee), Mr. David V. Thomas, age 65.  A Welsh clockmaker’s son, Mr. Thomas has carried the Queen’s personal warrant since 1991.  Queen Elizabeth herself had no desire to replace Mr. Thomas, and therefore the Garrad company, until he announced his upcoming retirement.  Also, despite the annoucement from Buckingham, Garrard will continue to retain three Royal Warrants.

The new crown jeweler is a relatively unknown small company in Kent called Harry Collins.  Beginning last July, Mr. Collins himself will personally care for the Crown Jewels and Queen Elizabeth’s personal jewelry collection.  His royal duty wil include traveling to the Palace workshop at least once a week to clean and mend the Queen’s many priceless crowns, tiaras, necklaces and brooches. �

Mr. Blackwell’s Best Dressed List

Mr. Blackwell came out with his famous list of best dressed for 2007. Topping the list is Reese Witherspoon. I think he’s right on with this one. Who can forget the yellow strapless number she wore to the Golden Globes? Or the deep plum gown from the Oscars? Reese makes glamorous look effortless all the time, as do fellow list-makers Katie Holmes, Katherine Heigl and Angelina Jolie. Katie and Angelina sure do make looking like a hot celeb and being a mom look easy, while Heigl proves she looks good in and out of scrubs. Also on the list: Kate Middleton, Jemima Khan, Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett.

When it came to worst dressed, Blackwell gave Britney Spears a break this year, citing her life as being in enough disarray as it is. The worst dressed list seemed musician heavy with Amy Winehouse, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne, but Victoria Beckham made a “mayjah” appearance, alongside Mary Kate Olsen and Fergie. Think Mr. Blackwell’s got this handled or are some of your favorite celebs missing from the list? I for one am fans of Rachel Bilson and Sienna Miller’s eclectic styles, which are lacking in Mr. Blackwell’s best dressed list. Check out more style news on the Vialuxe Style News Home.