Church’s

► Always a story

Boodles is that rarest of creatures: a brand with centuries of brilliant craft heritage, while at the same time always fresh as spring blossom. Quintessentially British, it is the only remaining family-owned jeweller on London’s Bond Street. Timeless, and yet utterly modern.

The secret of Boodles is simple. As a sixth-generation family enterprise, it cares passionately about all that it does. And despite receiving many outside offers to buy the business, Boodles remains resolutely committed to doing things independently, in their inimitable way. Boodles’ customers reward this commitment, with many travelling to London from far-flung reaches specifically to see new collections. It’s easy to understand the excitement. Take the case of ‘The Million Pound Necklace’. The subject of its own television documentary, it was watched by over two million viewers worldwide. And one lucky lady now wears it. But part of the charm of Boodles comes from its warmth and accessibility. Despite a reputation for breathtaking high jewellery — exemplified for 2018 by the incredible ‘Boodles Orange’, a 3.03 carat fancy vivid yellow-orange diamond — it is proud to offer pieces for everyone. It is still possible to acquire a Boodles diamond engagement ring for under £5,000 — meaning dreams do have a chance to come true. Founded in 1798, Boodles is known for the quality of its precious gemstones and the skill of its creations. Thanks to an inspirational team of in-house designers, the company’s visionary philosophy continues to champion exemplary British craftsmanship. Brothers Nicholas and Michael Wainwright now lead the company from the head office in Liverpool and flagship showroom in Bond Street. They are ably assisted by the next generation: Nicholas’s son Jody is director of precious gemstones, while Jody’s cousin, James Amos, is in charge of the brand’s public image. The beauty, creativity and attention to detail for which Boodles is renowned have made it a red carpet favourite. Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Dame Helen Mirren and Sophie Dahl are among Boodles’ most loyal friends. Each finds something unique to admire, for every Boodles creation is different. Yet Boodles’ admirers tend to share a love of flowing lines, harmony, and inspiration drawn from the natural world. Boodles’ signature style is so iconic in fact, that their Raindance ring was chosen by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to represent the very best of British jewellery. The team at Boodles go out of their way to exceed expectation. Customers often become friends, and Boodles is known for bending over backwards to meet their precise jewellery needs. Stories abound of Boodles’ gems being driven through the night to reach all-important celebrations — and of Boodles’ employees hopping onto jet planes to help customers ‘pop the question’ in style. There’s an effortless sense of grace, discretion and fun about Boodles. Fans of Boodles say you simply won’t find it elsewhere. Perhaps that’s because Boodles recognise — and express in their byword — that behind each stone there’s ‘always a story’.

Above ► ‘The Tide’ Collar from ‘The Poetry of Landscape’ collection.

Opposite ► Boodles new campaign featuring Arizona Muse wearing the ‘Sophie’ collection.

Below left ► ‘Sophie’ studs featuring diamonds and pink mother of pearl set in 18 carat rose gold.

Below ► ‘The Raindance Watch’ featuring a blue aventurine dial and diamonds.

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Boodles

Cadogan

The historic estate shaping a 21st-century Chelsea

► The historic estate shaping a 21st-century Chelsea

Cadogan is a property manager, investor and developer with a 300-year history that informs its modern and dynamic approach to estate management. The foundations of the estate were established in 1717 when Charles, Baron Cadogan married Elizabeth Sloane, daughter of Sir Hans Sloane, who had purchased the Manor of Chelsea in 1712.

Today, it spans a 93 acre area of Chelsea and Knightsbridge and the family’s stewardship continues in the hands of the present Viscount Chelsea. London’s most stylish neighbourhood, it is renowned for its mix of dazzling luxury flagships, characterful independent shops, thriving arts scene, tempting restaurants, great pubs, iconic hotels and stunning homes - against a backdrop of rich history, elegant architecture and beautiful green spaces. Chelsea is the epicentre of high-end London shopping. Originally commissioned by Charles, 1st Earl Cadogan in the 18th century, Sloane Street has evolved into one of the world’s most exclusive retail destinations. Impressive flagship stores – including designers Tom Ford, Alberta Ferretti, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Emilia Wickstead and Giorgio Armani – line a catwalk stretching from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square. In partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, an enhancement of Sloane Street’s public realm is proposed, which will create a greener, even more elegant streetscape. From the dazzling international flagship stores lining Sloane Street, to buzzing Sloane Square, Duke of York Square and along the iconic King’s Road, Cadogan manages its retail and leisure portfolio in the context of the wider community – continually evolving the area’s vibrancy and attractiveness for those who live, work and shop here. One of the most recent developments was the creation of a gourmet food haven on Pavilion Road, tucked away behind Sloane Square. The transformation follows a public consultation held in summer 2015, when 75% of respondents said they would like to see artisan, independent shops in the new units being created. Cadogan spent more than a year actively seeking the right ‘artisans’ who would become part of the community – small, independently run shops. The result is a destination that sees a butcher, baker, wine merchant, greengrocer and cheesemonger in their new home. More will follow in 2018. Chelsea has a rich cultural heritage as a home for artists, authors, musicians and designers, from Dante Gabriel Rossetti to the Rolling Stones. Thanks to Cadogan’s long term commitment to protecting the area’s heritage and character Chelsea remains a hive of world-class artistic endeavour, home to major institutions of contemporary theatre, art and music, among them the Saatchi Gallery, a world leading contemporary art gallery in a beautiful listed building. The Royal Court Theatre pioneers new work by innovative writers and Cadogan Hall, a converted Byzantine-style church, is now one of London’s leading concert venues and home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. An active community events programme includes ‘Chelsea in Bloom’, which extends the famous Chelsea Flower Show out into the neighbourhood, ‘Strawberries & Screen’ Wimbledon screenings and a colourful Summer Fete. Stewardship and community are the watchwords of the estate. Over the years the Cadogan family has donated millions to local and national charitable concerns, along with land and buildings around Chelsea for schools, social housing, churches, the Town Hall, fire station and a hospital. For 300 years, Cadogan has been at the heart of Chelsea, contributing to a vibrant and inspiring area through active stewardship. Over the next 300, Cadogan aims to encourage its evolution while preserving the rich heritage and identity that make Chelsea unique.

Opposite, top ► Distinctive red brick architecture on Sloane Street, synonymous with the surrounding area.

Opposite, bottom ► Al fresco yoga outside the Saatchi Gallery at Duke of York Square.

Below, left ► ‘Zebras’, an installation as part of the alternative floral art show ‘Chelsea in Bloom’ – an initiative from Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Transforming the streets of Chelsea in the spring.

Below ► Provenance, the neighbourhood’s new butcher on Pavilion Road.

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Cadogan