How Did Our Garden Grow?: The History of Hatton Garden by Watson, Vivian

An insider's record of the complete history of Hatton Garden, including the social history of many of its characters. For the first time, here is the full history of Hatton Garden and the Jewellery trade, including stories of individuals who made the community what it was. Accounts and events which are usually hidden from the public's eye have been compiled by one of the Garden's best-known jewellers, Vivian Hatton, who joined the family trade in 1960, becoming the third generation. With a unique network of contacts, he has interviewed the great and the good. Richly illustrated from a private collection of hundreds of images and maps, this book will inform and entertain the reader on the secret world of diamonds and gems. AUTHOR: Vivian Watson joined the family business in Hatton Garden in the 1960s and has had the opportunity to witness over 50 years of change. He qualified as a gemmologist early in his career, becoming a Fellow of the Gemmological Association, and is able to use the coveted professional qualification FGA after his name. He went on to study diamonds, jewellery retailing and more, achieving distinctions in his exams. He served as a director, and chairman of the Gemmological Association. He was invited by De Beers to join their prestigious Carat Club and became a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company in 1995. 600 colour illustrations