Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

An 18ct sapphire and diamond brooch, by David Morris, the stylised brooch modelled as three blooms/wheat ears, each accented with a line of claw set round-cut graduated sapphires, each ear above a further curling leaf below, highlighted with claw set brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18ct yellow gold, bearing UK import marks for 1970 and maker’s mark ‘DM’, brooch length 63mm. £1,000-£1,500

David Morris began his career at the age of 15, starting as an apprentice in the 1950s to a leading Hatton Garden jeweller. By 1962 David opened his first Hatton Garden shop, quickly gaining a global reputation for extraordinary stones and innovative design. He and his design partner successively claimed the 9th and 10th De Beers Diamonds International Awards in 1963 ad 1964, held annually in New York. By 1969, David Morris moved to his first Mayfair location on Conduit Street, and in 1996, the business relocated to its current headquarters to Bond Street, being one of the last remaining jewellers to still have their workshops in Bond Street, above the boutique below. It remains a family-run business, with Jeremy Morris taking over the helm from his father in 2003.

Throughout its 58 year history, David Morris has produced a number of notable works including in 1972 re-designing the existing crown for Miss World, (which is still in use today). A friendship between producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and David Morris led to a long running association with the James Bond films.

Selected David Morris jewels are on permanent display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.