For a neighbourhood that is less than a mile long, Hatton Garden has certainly made a name for itself. A slither of cobbled courtyards, glass-fronted shops and narrow alleyways, London’s most illustrious (and notorious) jewellery district fringes the Square Mile, with Holborn at one end and Clerkenwell at the other. It has been the heart of the capital’s diamond business for centuries, and is as famous for its independent jewellers and craftspeople, as it is for its mystery and history. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit to EC1N. 

The history

Steeped in more than five centuries of history, the Hatton Garden we know today is not always what was. The neighbourhood first came to prominence in 1581, when Sir Christopher Hatton (hence the name) was gifted the property of Ely Place by Queen Elizabeth I. The incredible house came with an expansive garden that became the talk of the town – and eventually saw the rest of the street and surrounding area come to be known as ‘Hatton Garden’. 

Given its location – sandwiched between Holborn and Clerkenwell – the area naturally lent itself to bustling markets filled with traders and craftsmen, and its marketplace roots actually date back to mediaeval times. However, as the Hatton family started to sell off parts of the Ely estate in the 19^th century, wealthy merchants and businesses moved in, coinciding with the boom in Britain’s diamond trade in the 1880s. The area quickly gained an international reputation as London’s most reputable jewellery district, and still attracts shoppers and craftspeople from the world over to peruse its exclusive engagement rings and unique gems. 

Image: Lenscap Photography/Shutterstock

Image: Tupungato/Shutterstock

The scandals and heists

Bleeding Heart Yard, a cobbled courtyard just off Hatton Garden, is rumoured to have been named to commemorate the murder of Lady Elizabeth Hatton (Sir Christopher’s second wife). Legend has it that her dismembered body was found in the courtyard in 1646 after being jilted following a dalliance with a foreign minister. It’s said she was found the following morning with her heart still beating in her chest and that her ghost still frequents the courtyard, which is now home to the Bleeding Heart Bistro and Wine Bar if you fancy something to whet your whistle. 

Adding to its illustrious history are two infamous heists; the first in 1993, when Graff’s workshop was robbed of £7m worth of diamonds, making it London’s biggest ever jewel robbery at the time. That was until Easter Weekend 2015, when a group of criminals drilled through a six-foot thick concrete wall to reach the vault of the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit. The thieves – described as an ‘old-school’ gang given the majority of them were in their 60s – got away with roughly £25m worth of gold, jewels, and cash. They were all eventually arrested but the heist has since had the Hollywood treatment and gained notoriety around the world thanks to the 2018 film King of Thieves, starring Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent and Ray Winstone.

The best Hatton Garden jewellers

Smith & Green

Founded by two young entrepreneurs, Chris Smith and Josh Green, the pair launched their eponymous business in 2011, securing a prime spot in Britain’s biggest jewellery market. To say the venture has been successful would almost be an understatement, considering Smith & Green is now considered one of the world’s finest diamond and gemstone jewellers. Head here to shop ready-to-wear pieces or create your own engagement ring or wedding band, as well as peruse antique necklaces, dress jewellery and more. 

9 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8AH, visit smithgreenjewellers.com

E Katz & Co Ltd

The oldest trader in Hatton Garden, E Katz & Co Ltd dates back to 1946 when it was opened by the Katz family, who still operate it today. Hailing from what was then Czechoslovakia, the brand was founded by Emil Katz, who arrived in Britain in 1939 with a handful of diamonds that his mother had sewn into his suit. At the end of the Second World War, demand for fine jewellery increased, leading Emil to find a premises of his own to work out of. 

The business is now run by Emil’s son, George, and his son-in-law, Robert, and has become renowned for its plethora of diamond rings that have either been selected or manufactured by the Katz family. Each piece is bespoke, ranging from eternity and engagement rings to wedding bands, gents jewellery and, as of the last few years, lab-grown diamond pieces. Well, you don’t stay at the top without innovating…

88-90 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8PN, visit ekatz.co.uk

Queensmith

One of the newest shops on the Hatton Garden block is Queensmith. Having established itself in 2016, the team has since won UK Bridal Jeweller of the Year three times at the UK Jewellery Awards and is carving out a reputation for responsible diamond sourcing. They are also specialists in LGBTQ+ engagement rings, offering an array of understated and unisex styles which can meet the needs of every couple. 

98 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8NX, visit queensmith.co.uk

Andrew R Ullmann

A principal purveyor of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco jewellery, AR Ullmann has been operating in Hatton Garden since 1951. It moved round the corner to Grenville Street in 2007, where fourth and fifth generation Ullmans continue the family business. Unlike other flashy shop fronts on this street, AR Ullmann has retained its original charm and character but has kept up with the times thanks to a website from which you can buy the majority of its collection. From gorgeous emerald solitaire rings to sapphire bangles, you’re bound to find a real gem (ahem) here. 

36 Greville Street, EC1N 8TB, visit arullmann.com

Hirschfelds Ltd

Hirschfelds has been part of London’s jewellery business since 1875, and acquired its premises at the storied Bleeding Heart Yard soon after. Specialising in spectacular rare jewellery, the team here certainly have their finger on the pulse of what’s hot, with the collection boasting a huge range of emeralds (specifically of Colombian and Brazilian origin), aquamarines, opals, Ceylon sapphires, and Burmese and Thai rubies. Don’t miss the exclusive, hand-crafted diamond engagement rings, which are available in 18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold and platinum. 

7 Bleeding Heart Yard, EC1N 8SJ, visit hirschfelds.co.uk

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