Queensmith to open new design and innovation centre

Queensmith has announced that it is set to open a new design and innovation centre in Hatton Garden.

Located opposite Queensmith’s Greville Street store, the workshop will reside in a newly refurbished building cornering the entrance to Bleeding Heart Yard.

Due to open towards the end of 2023, the workshop will focus on pioneering advancements in local jewellery manufacturing.

Designed by award-winning architects Groupwork + Amin Taha, the Greville Street building has undergone an £11.4m refurbishment, preserving the original structure.

As well as new manufacturing space, there will be a small retail store at ground level and new offices for Queensmith’s marketing and pre-sales teams.

Upon opening the new workshop will enable the Queensmith team to grow to over 90 people and handle the sale and production of more than 15,000 pieces of fine jewellery annually.

Brett Afshar, Queensmith’s founder and managing director, said: “The expansion will be an integral part of Queensmith’s long-term strategic growth plans. Following the acquisition of Vashi.com in April 2023, Queensmith’s capacity has already reached its limits, necessitating further investments in innovative technologies and increased production capabilities to meet bubbling demand.”

“Expanding with sustainability at the forefront of our growth is critically important to us. We’ve seen a massive rise in demand for lab diamonds thanks to their ethical and sustainable origins, so we know it’s important to consumers as well.”

With this new addition, Queensmith’s presence in Hatton Garden will span over 8,000 sq ft across five sites.