Edinburgh jewellers Hamilton & Inches reopens after extensive lockdown refurbishment

A renowned Edinburgh jeweller reopens today following an extensive refurbishment carried out during lockdown.

Hamilton & Inches has been closed since December but is ready to welcome customers back to their newly refurbished store

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Hamilton & Inches on George Street has been closed since December to allow for an upgrade of the five-storey building made up of two showroom and three workshop levels.

A new Rolex Room has been built in the building's original courtyard with a new customer relaxation area and VIP consultation rooms also created.

The company worked closely with Historic Environment Scotland on the plans, collaborated with conservation practice Simpson & Brown Architects and selected local suppliers and tradespeople throughout the project.

New service desks have been installed enabling same-day repairs.

Hamilton & Inches chief executive, Victoria Houghton, who joined the company in 2019 and has played a lead role in the refurbishment, said: “Our renovation project plan was in place long before the pandemic and an important part of our business strategy.

“We’re confident in our team, our business and the luxury retail market and we wanted to continue on track.

“We’re an independent business and we saw the value in investing in the renovation, not only for the business but for our clients, who see Hamilton & Inches as an experience, a destination. There has never been a more important time to play a key role in driving Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s retail recovery.”

Hamilton & Inches was founded in Edinburgh in 1866 and occupied its current George Street base since 1952.

The company worked with Historic Environment Scotland on the plans, collaborated with conservation practice Simpson & Brown Architects and selected local suppliers and tradespeople throughout the project.

Customers approaching the revamped building will be met with a new curved glass store front complemented by Breccia Violetta marble and an antique bronze finish.

New interior features include restored marble pillars and detailing which accentuates the historic elements of the Georgian ceiling, alongside chandelier lighting.

The focal point of the newly restored showroom is a hand-crafted silver Ginkgo leaf installation fitted above the diamond bar which was created by Hamilton and Inches’ master craftspeople.

The new showroom was created by design practice Waldo Works.

Tom Barlett, Waldo Works founder, said: “It has been a wonderful experience to work with Hamilton & Inches in creating what I believe is the most beautiful store in Scotland. It is rare to work with a client who’s focus from the inception was to reflect the quality and design excellence of their product in the design and construction of this intricate showroom.”

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