Our Legacy

Since before the turn of the 20th century, the Chalfen family were proud watchmakers who worked from a jewellery shop in London until Simon Chalfen’s untimely death in 1934. His son, Harry Chalfen, had been working for a jewellery wholesaler, until after the war – when he started on his own, buying and selling second hand jewellery. Although this was an important aspect of trade post wartime, Harry convinced his brother-in-law Alec, already a licensed diamond cutter, that it was time for something new. In 1958 they formed the jewellery design house H. Chalfen Ltd. Their goal: to manufacture diamond jewellery for the trade.

Harry Chalfen died unexpectedly in 1965, propelling his son Brian into the business at a young age. Brian’s vision was to push the company forward, making diamond jewellery for the best shops across the UK and Ireland. The Chalfen name became synonymous with quality. The name, although not known to the public, was fast gaining a reputation in the trade as one of the best manufacturers in the country. A great number of fine quality retailers were turning to Chalfen for their diamond jewellery.

Today, the Chalfen name is more visible, distributed exclusively through top quality independent retailers. These partners are carefully chosen for their unrivalled customer service and highly knowledgeable staff. Still regarded as one of the country’s best, Chalfen of London continues to make everything in the heart of Hatton Garden, with the same attention to detail and passion that began over a century ago.