Welcome to Chisholm Hunter - A Cut Above since 1857Welcome to Chisholm Hunter - A Cut Above since 1857

Our History

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1857 on Chisholm Street, Chisholm Hunter first opened its doors in Victorian Glasgow. Originally known as the “Store of 10,000 wonders”, the shop stocked an eclectic array of rare treasures, including fine jewellery and precious gems sourced from all over the world. It quickly established a reputation for delighting even the most discerning customers with its wide variety of treasures and, as a result, enjoyed great success in its early years.

Our Boutiques

OUR BOUTIQUES

However, in the first half of the 20th century, Chisholm Hunter’s fortunes took a turn as, like the rest of the UK, the business found itself enduring the effects of the Great Depression and the First and Second World Wars. After the wars, Chisholm Hunter continued to operate from Glasgow, but business remained a challenge until 1993 when its current owner, gemologist Harry Brown, purchased the company.

With an abiding passion for the most beautiful diamonds, Brown immediately set about reviving the brand’s fortunes by streamlining the business to become a specialist diamond merchant. As a gemologist, he brought more than two decades of experience in the diamond industry with him, so dedicated his time to hand selecting the best diamonds from around the world — accepting only a mere 0.1% of the stones offered to Chisholm Hunter. Procuring only the finest diamonds, Brown built the business on providing the very best for his customers.

With Brown overseeing every step of the fabrication process, from the rough diamond to the finished piece of jewellery, Chisholm Hunter began to flourish. It has now grown to become a leader in the UK jewellery business, with 27 stores around England and Scotland stocking spectacular diamonds, exquisite fine jewellery and prestigious Swiss timepieces.

Charity

CHARITY

As Chisholm Hunter have grown, our commitment has extended far beyond our own products and services - shown through our support of nonprofit organisations and charities.

These include Action For Children, McMillan Breast Cancer, Children’s First, Enable Scotland, Friends of Chernobyl, Spina Bifida Association and Spinal Injuries Scotland among others.

Notably, the yearly Burn’s Night event in collaboration with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) was enjoyed by over 500 guests, and hostel by former Scottish Rugby player Andy Nichol.

Without the continuous generosity from the team at Chisholm Hunter and all those who attended our event, we wouldn’t be able to provide specialist services to the 3,500 children, young people and their families who live with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus in Scotland.Deborah Roe of SBH Scotland
Our Boutiques

OUR FAMILY

But as much as the Chisholm Hunter story is about jewellery, it is also about its people and customers. Run by Harry Brown and his wife Tracey, relationships, emotion and family values are at the heart of the brand. Such values go from strength to strength as the second generation of the Brown family Harry and Tracey’s children all work for the company.

A large part of Chisholm Hunter’s success can be attributed to its highly professional and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been with the company for years and are regarded as part of the extended Chisholm Hunter family. Committed to their personal and professional development, Chisholm Hunter offers in-house training schemes and encourages employees to enrol on courses such as The Association of Jewellers Diploma to ensure that they develop and evolve with the business, offering customers the best possible service.

And without customers, there would be no Chisholm Hunter, so the company is dedicated to establishing excellent and lasting relationships with each individual and takes immense joy in ensuring that every special occasion and purchase is perfect.

Chisholm Hunter’s bespoke service works to bring to life even the smallest, most intricate details, with every diamond and every piece of jewellery design created with its customer in mind.

First and foremost a diamond merchant, Chisholm Hunter ensures that — just like a diamond — every piece of our jewellery lasts a lifetime.

Image of the very first Chisholm Hunter storeImage of the very first Chisholm Hunter store

Our History

Founded in 1857 on Chisholm Street, Chisholm Hunter first opened its doors in Victorian Glasgow. Originally known as the “Store of 10,000 wonders”, the shop stocked an eclectic array of rare treasures, including fine jewellery and precious gems sourced from all over the world. It quickly established a reputation for delighting even the most discerning customers with its wide variety of treasures and, as a result, enjoyed great success in its early years.

However, in the first half of the 20th century, Chisholm Hunter’s fortunes took a turn as, like the rest of the UK, the business found itself enduring the effects of the Great Depression and the First and Second World Wars. After the wars, Chisholm Hunter continued to operate from Glasgow, but business remained a challenge until 1993 when its current owner, gemologist Harry Brown, purchased the company.

With an abiding passion for the most beautiful diamonds, Brown immediately set about reviving the brand’s fortunes by streamlining the business to become a specialist diamond merchant. As a gemologist, he brought more than two decades of experience in the diamond industry with him, so dedicated his time to hand selecting the best diamonds from around the world—accepting only a mere 0.1% of the stones offered to Chisholm Hunter. Procuring only the finest diamonds, Brown built the business on providing the very best for his customers.

Our Boutiques

With Brown overseeing every step of the fabrication process, from the rough diamond to the finished piece of jewellery, Chisholm Hunter began to flourish. It has now grown to become a leader in the UK jewellery business, with 27 stores around England and Scotland stocking spectacular diamonds, exquisite fine jewellery and prestigious Swiss timepieces.

Image of Chisholm Hunter flagship boutique on Princes Street, EdinburghImage of Chisholm Hunter flagship boutique on Princes Street, Edinburgh
Image of Harry Brown with members of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) at their annual Burns' eventImage of Harry Brown with members of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) at their annual Burns' event

Charity Work

As Chisholm Hunter have grown, our commitment has extended far beyond our own products and services - shown through our support of nonprofit organisations and charities.

These include Action For Children, McMillan Breast Cancer, Children’s First, Enable Scotland, Friends of Chernobyl, Spina Bifida Association and Spinal Injuries Scotland among others.

Notably, the yearly Burn’s Night event in collaboration with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) was enjoyed by over 500 guests, and hosted by former Scottish Rugby player Andy Nichol.

"Without the continuous generosity from the team at Chisholm Hunter and all those who attended our event, we wouldn’t be able to provide specialist services to the 3,500 children, young people and their families who live with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus in Scotland."

- Deborah Roe of SBH Scotland

Our Family

But as much as the Chisholm Hunter story is about jewellery, it is also about its people and customers. Run by Harry Brown and his wife Tracey, relationships, emotion and family values are at the heart of the brand. Such values go from strength to strength as the second generation of the Brown family Harry and Tracey’s children all work for the company.

A large part of Chisholm Hunter’s success can be attributed to its highly professional and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been with the company for years and are regarded as part of the extended Chisholm Hunter family. Committed to their personal and professional development, Chisholm Hunter offers in-house training schemes and encourages employees to enrol on courses such as The Association of Jewellers Diploma to ensure that they develop and evolve with the business, offering customers the best possible service.

And without customers, there would be no Chisholm Hunter, so the company is dedicated to establishing excellent and lasting relationships with each individual and takes immense joy in ensuring that every special occasion and purchase is perfect. Chisholm Hunter’s bespoke service works to bring to life even the smallest, most intricate details, with every diamond and every piece of jewellery design created with its customer in mind.

Image of Chisholm Hunter flagship boutique on Princes Street, EdinburghImage of Chisholm Hunter flagship boutique on Princes Street, Edinburgh

First and foremost a diamond merchant, Chisholm Hunter ensures that—just like a diamond—every piece of our jewellery lasts a lifetime.