Royal Mint crafts new Mappin and Webb 250th anniversary collection

The Royal Mint has produced a new collection for British luxury retailer Mappin and Webb to mark its 250th anniversary, using gold recovered from electronic waste.

The 15-piece range was designed and made by The Royal Mint’s craftspeople and draws on traditional techniques alongside contemporary styling. The collection is being sold exclusively through Mappin and Webb.

It forms part of a broader shift by The Royal Mint – historically known for producing UK coinage – to expand into new commercial areas, including jewellery manufacturing.

The pieces are made from gold extracted at The Royal Mint’s Precious Metals Recovery facility in south Wales, which uses technology developed by Canadian firm Excir to recover precious metals from discarded circuit boards.

The Royal Mint launched its own fine jewellery brand, 886 by The Royal Mint, in 2022.

Sean Millard, chief growth officer at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint’s collection for Mappin and Webb showcases our evolution as a heritage brand that is innovating and applying centuries of craftsmanship to new opportunities.”

Craig Bolton, president UK and Europe at The Watches of Switzerland Group, which operates Mappin and Webb, added: “We’re honoured to present this collection in Mappin and Webb’s 250th anniversary year.  It’s the perfect pairing as a commemorative expression of the work of two historic British brands, which share a commitment to excellence and sustainability.”

Kesah Trowell, group head of Sustainability and ESG, Watches of Switzerland Group, concluded: “We are proud to launch this exciting collection in partnership with The Royal Mint, which exemplifies our commitment to circularity and offering clients fully traceable fine jewellery. These striking pieces, created using a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional techniques, tell a fascinating story of responsible sourcing, skilled craftmanship and sustainability.”