About Mappin&Webb

Mappin&Webb is a jeweler headquartered in the United Kingdom.

In 1897, it was granted the Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria, and even today, Mappin&Webb craftsmen are appointed as the Crown Jewellers for the British Royal Family (craftsmen who create crowns).

Currently focused on jewelry, it was originally famous as a silverware workshop, and many silver products remain in the antique world.
While many British jewelers operate only within the UK, Mappin&Webb was once the most successful global brand from the UK with international expansion.

 

The Beginning

Mappin&Webb traces its origins to a silver workshop opened in 1775 in Sheffield, UK, by Jonathan Mappin.

The workshop was passed down to Jonathan's son Joseph, then to his grandson Joseph, and later in 1846, Jonathan's great-grandsons Frederick, Edward, Charles, and John expanded the business as "Mappin Brothers Ltd.".

However, the youngest brother John clashed with his siblings over the workshop's management, left "Mappin Brothers," and in 1860 established "Mappin & Co," opening his own store at 77-78 Oxford Street, London.
In 1862, John's brother-in-law George Webb joined the management, and in 1868 the company name was changed to "Mappin and Webb & Co.".

For a while after, "Mappin Brothers" and "Mappin and Webb" competed, each claiming to be the original Mappin family business.

 

Expansion and Royal Warrant

John Mappin of "Mappin&Webb" seemed to have considerable business acumen.

They focused not only on sterling silver silverware but also on more affordable silver-plated silverware, which was widely accepted not only by the aristocracy but also by the rising middle class in the late 19th century.
In addition to silverware, they expanded into manufacturing and selling jewelry.

In the 1890s, they opened stores in cities worldwide, starting with Johannesburg in South Africa, then Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Biarritz, Nice, Lausanne, Vichy, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cairo, and Mumbai.
In 1888, Queen Victoria commissioned them to make a necklace, and in 1897 they were granted the title of "Royal Warrant Holder to the British Royal Family."

Meanwhile, "Mappin Brothers," run by the other brothers, gradually declined, and the brothers and their sons withdrew from management, losing ties with the Mappin family.
In 1902, "Mappin Brothers" was absorbed by "Mappin & Webb."

　

 

Present Day

In the 20th century, Mappin&Webb gained clients such as the Russian Imperial Family and Princess Grace of Monaco, expanded further by acquiring famous UK rivals like "Walker & Hall" and "Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co."

In 1939, they expanded into Japan.

In 1973, they were acquired by the American Sears Holdings, and later joined the Asprey Garrard Group, undergoing various ownership changes. Today, they are part of "THE WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND GROUP (formerly Aurum Holdings)," which sells watches and jewelry.

However, they remain a prestigious brand holding the Royal Warrants of Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales, and retain the title of Crown Jewellers to the British Royal Family.

 

Summary

Mappin&Webb is a prestigious Royal Warrant holder but also focuses on relatively affordable silver-plated products.
Their management adapting to changing times allowed them to surpass other domestic rivals and become the most successful brand.
They might be comparable in image to the American Tiffany & Co.

 

"Mappin & Webb" products are here