Sara Prentice, the Chief Creative Officer at Garrard, has been shaping the creative direction of the world’s oldest jewelry house for nearly 13 years. With a career spanning esteemed names like Cartier, Graff, and Fabergé, Prentice’s journey has culminated in a role where she feels truly at home.
“For me, Garrard is where everything has come together,” she shares. “The brand has an incredible history, and I don’t need to fabricate a story—the narrative is already there, rich and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.”
Garrard, founded in 1735, holds an unparalleled legacy of designing some of the most famous jewels for royalty and global icons. Today, under Prentice’s guidance, the brand continues to evolve while maintaining its historical integrity.
Celebrating 20 Years of Wings
One of Garrard’s most celebrated collections, Wings, reached its 20th anniversary in 2023. As a tribute to its legacy, the brand introduced Wings Rising, a contemporary take on the original design featuring hard stones like malachite and turquoise—materials not traditionally used in the collection.
“We wanted to introduce something fresh and innovative,” Prentice explains. “For example, we’ve used a light version of malachite, cut in a unique way to reveal delicate spots rather than the usual dark stripes.”
This evolution of Wings showcases Garrard’s ability to innovate while preserving the essence of its beloved collections, ensuring their continued relevance for modern collectors.
The Inspiration Behind Lotus
Garrard’s newest Lotus collection is another example of its creative excellence. Inspired by the Lotus Tiara, originally designed for Queen Elizabeth in the early 20th century, the collection draws from both historical archives and the lotus flower’s spiritual significance.
“The lotus is a symbol of renewal—it submerges at night and re-emerges in full bloom by day,” Prentice explains. “It felt like the perfect representation of new beginnings, making it an ideal theme for our latest collection.”
The Lotus collection, currently showcased at Garrard’s pop-up in Bloomingdale’s Dubai Mall, blends tradition with contemporary appeal. This marks an exciting chapter for Garrard, as it debuts the collection in the Middle East before its global launch later this year.
A Deep Connection with the Middle East
Garrard has had a strong presence in Doha for 21 years now, with a strong expansion plans for region already in the works. The brand’s presence at the Doha Watches & Jewellery Exhibition further underscores its commitment to the region.
“This is definitely a ‘watch this space’ moment for us,” Prentice hints. “The Middle East has embraced Garrard, and we’re looking at further opportunities to grow here.”
With a dedicated client base that appreciates the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship, Garrard is also exploring exclusive collaborations tailored to the Middle Eastern market.
Jewelry as an Empowering Experience
For Prentice, the true magic of jewelry lies in its wearability. “Jewelry isn’t meant to sit in a safe—it’s meant to be worn, to empower the wearer,” she says passionately. Garrard’s commitment to comfort and versatility is evident in its multifunctional designs, which transition seamlessly from day to night.
Beyond collections, bespoke jewelry holds a special place in Prentice’s heart. With her background in custom design, she finds joy in translating a client’s vision into a piece that embodies Garrard’s elegance.
Looking Ahead: 290 Years of Garrard
As Garrard celebrates its 290th anniversary, the brand is poised for an exciting year of honoring its legacy while looking ahead to the future.
“We are not just a heritage brand—we are here, relevant today, and will continue to be for generations to come,” Prentice affirms. With a strong presence in the Middle East, groundbreaking collections, and a dedication to storytelling, Garrard’s future is as luminous as its legendary jewels.
For those eager to experience the essence of Garrard, the exclusive pop-up at Bloomingdale’s Dubai Mall is open until mid-April 2025, offering a rare opportunity to explore its newest creations firsthand.
