'The' engagement ring district of London, an area notorious for pushy, untrustworthy diamond salesmen and women has almost become cliché and avoidable. But amongst this landscape, one jeweller stands out by miles. A R Ullmann is an absolute treasure trove of beautiful antique jewellery. To even enter the shop is a treat and for anyone who has an appreciation of antiques, will want to spend all day here. A complete juxtaposition from the rest of Hatton garden, this family become your friends through the process. When you leave with your dream ring, you feel as though you've bought from an old family friend; you trust the whole family who are honest, decent, warm and friendly and there is something intensely comforting about choosing the Ullmann family to buy from.
My experience with this special little shop started over the summer. It turns out there are very few true antique jewellers in London and I emailed Max to ask him if he had in stock, a particular ring. Very unusual, very specific in terms of what I wanted. Max managed to source a ring that was not only close to what I wanted but far, far exceeded my request. The ring he found for me is exceptional, very rare and very beautiful. I came to see it and to meet him and instantly felt very choked up. Needless to say after my fiancé met him and saw the ring too, we bought it.
The lovely thing about buying from this shop and this family is just that - it's a proper, traditional family business which means you totally buy into its heritage. A R Ullmann is a very rare find in London - you buy from real people. You never feel conned, or pressured, or vulnerable to a sales trick and all of them, just being as kind as they all are, means it's hard to feel anything other than trusting.
I cannot recommend this shop enough. The hypnotic and beautiful gems in the window leave you pressing your nose up to the glass like a child in a sweet shop but it's only when you step inside that you feel a true sense of special. We can't wait to go back for the wedding rings and it goes without saying for anyone who has an appreciation for antique jewellery, this little shop cannot come any more highly recommended - it's an absolute delight. read more