Holts Gems founder turns 90

Incredibly, Robert Holt still plays an active role in the running of the gemstone and bespoke jewellery business and can be seen visiting its Hatton Garden showroom most days.

Mr Holt founded the company in 1948 after fleeing to Britain from Nazi Germany at the age of 16. Holt acquired a Hatton Garden shop unit and stocked it with gemstones sourced after a chance meeting with a Brazilian gemstone dealer.

Not just content with the founding of Holts, the nonagenarian has tried his hand at countless professions, such as costume jeweller, soldier, hotelier, and journalist.

Robert’s son, Jason, took over the family-run business in 1999. Today, Jason is the CEO of the Holts Group of companies, comprised of Holts Gems, Holts Academy, Jewellery Innovations and Holition.