For 160 years, W Hamond has been creating breathtaking collections of Whitby Jet jewellery and in the meantime become one of the UK’s leading independent family run jewellers. Since our opening in 1860 as the Original Whitby Jet Shop, we have met our fair share of famous faces. From local celebrities to ‘A listers’, personalities of all kind have visited our stores and worn our jewellery.
Colin Jackson and Paul Cummins visit us at our annual Christmas Wishes event
Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson who specialised in the 110 metre hurdles and won his medal at the young age of 19 was a visitor at one of our Christmas Wishes events at Chatsworth House. Colin went undefeated for a massive 12 years in the European championships and was also a two-time commonwealth champion. It was an honour to host him at our event for the first time.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Paul Cummins the same weekend who is famed for designing the incredible ceramic Tower of London poppy display in memory of the commonwealth soldiers from the WWI. Having him with us over the memorial weekend at our event made it that extra bit special.
Bill Nighy Loves Us Actually
Taking a break from the Hollywood Hills, Bill Nighy visited us at our W Hamond Whitby Boutique and enjoyed some lunch at our tea rooms. Known for his roles in Love Actually, Underworld, About Time, Pirates of the Caribbean and many, many other Hollywood films, it was both an honour and surprise to welcome him into our Whitby store and show him some of our collections of Whitby Jet jewellery.
Ade Edmonson on the hunt for Whitby Jet
While filming his TV programme Ade in Britain, Ade Edmonson visited our Whitby store on the hunt for the town’s famous Whitby Jet gemstone. The show, focusing on unique, local cultures, brought the actor and comedian into our boutique in search for the historic jet-black stone which remains a huge part of Yorkshire’s history and heritage.
Michael Portillo steams into W Hamond
British journalist, broadcaster and former Member of Parliament Michael Portillo visited our W Hamond Whitby store while filming his television series, Great British Railway Journeys. The documentary series showed him travelling the breadth of the country by train and included a stop in Whitby where he was desperate to learn more about the home of Dracula and the famous Jet stone.
Gwyneth Paltrow - Every Brooch Tells a Story
In the 2002 film Possession starring Gwyneth Paltrow, the young actress and her co-star Jennifer Ehle are both seen wearing a black carved floral Whitby Jet brooch. The film travels between two time periods, one being Victorian England. The wardrobe department captured the period perfectly with the inclusion of the Whitby Jet brooch which was a highly fashionable and coveted piece of jewellery to own during this period.
Dracula Director Fangs out at W Hamond
Sharing a home to the birthplace of Dracula, W Hamond Whitby was visited by the director of one of the latest Dracula movies. He was fascinated with our collections of Whitby Jet jewellery, particularly our Gothic collections inspired by Bram Stoker’s original story.
W Hamond Team Up with Donna Air & Scott Henshall for Movie Premiere
Working alongside Scott Henshall, also known as the ‘King of the Red Carpet’, W Hamond created a breathtaking Whitby Jet and diamond spider web dress that was worn by actress and singer Donna Air. The piece was worn on the red carpet at The Amazing Spiderman premiere.
Joan Rivers Drops into our Showcase Event
One of the best surprises to receive close to Christmas, Joan Rivers popped into our 2010 Christmas Wishes event at Chatsworth House. The American comedian had been attending the UK premiere of her documentary A Piece of Work and couldn’t resist visiting our event with a group of friends.
Dracula Ring Brought Back to Life by W Hamond
With such a deep-rooted connection with Whitby and all the heritage that it brings, W Hamond decided to pay homage to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the ring featured in its movie counterpart. Bram Stoker visited the fishing town in 1890 and became inspired by the atmospheric location for his Gothic novel. You can still purchase our Whitby Jet Dracula ring here.
A Gift for the Dowager Duchess
W Hamond designed a bespoke bumblebee brooch for the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire who remains a huge collector of insect jewellery. Her husband Andrew, the eleventh Duke, gifted her a stunning collection of insect jewellery which included moths, caterpillars and spiders which she continues to wear pinned to her shoulder and along her neckline. The Dowager was incredibly pleased with her W Hamond brooch and is said to wear it often.
Supporting our Local Beauty Queen
To celebrate Laura Stone become Whitby’s Beauty Queen, W Hamond gifted her a stunning Whitby Jet necklace. The coin shaped pendant boasts a patriotic Union Jack design decorated in sterling silver and Whitby Jet gemstone.
A Birthday Gift Fit for a Queen
To celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s eightieth birthday, W Hamond designed her a stunning yellow gold and Blue John pendant. As a thank you, the Queen replied with a letter to express her admiration for the gorgeous necklace and stated she was “touched by the generous present”.
W Hamond Dishes Up Cufflinks for Brian Turner
British chef Brian Turner was presented with some exquisite Whitby Jet cufflinks during his visit to our boutique. Known for his appearances on Ready Steady Cook and Saturday Kitchen, Brian Turner has also made public his love for Whitby, in particular our mouth-watering fish and chips!
Stepping Back in Time with Heartbeat
Set in the 1960’s, Heartbeat filled our screens for over two decades showcasing many scenes filmed and set in the seaside town of Whitby. The village of Aidensfield in Whitby is a fantastic place to visit if you’re a fan of the show and want to see some of the filming locations in person.
