The Laings Journal

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A chat with Michael Laing

In a former life, before I wrote about watches for a living, I would often travel to Edinburgh on business and fell for its abundant charms. The architecture, the history, the views across the Forth, all collaborate to seduce. Invariably, when I got a chance, I would visit Laing, Scotland’s oldest family jeweller, with over 175 years of history. There, I would immerse myself in a haven of haute horlogerie. So when I was asked to write a feature on a jeweller in Edinburgh, I immediately thought of contacting Michael Laing, the CEO and Chairman of this most prestigious retailer.

Meeting The Public

Michael Laing is the fifth generation of the family to work at Laing the Jeweller. After studying Art and Design at The John Cass School of Art in London, he returned to the family business in 1972, to design and make jewellery. Describing himself as “a long haired hippy”, he recalls, with a notable grin, the first occasion he ventured “downstairs” – a hirsute young man, attired in a white workshop coat – and met the public for the first time. A love affair with meeting the public ensued, something which remains as profound to this day.

As well as the company he leads, family is evidently important to him, something that is reflected in his work. Spending much of his time designing, he has captured some of the character traits of each of his four grandchildren and distilled these into four distinct jewellery collections, each imbued with its own personality.

A Family Affair

Richard Laing, Michael’s son, is the sixth generation of the family to work in the business. Having joined the company in 2008, Richard now often travels with his father on business trips to source diamonds. Now, I do not profess to know much about them, however, Michael Laing, a trained gemologist, has an acute understanding of procuring the best stones. This has become one of the key areas of expertise for the Laing brand and provides a point of differentiation for the company. Father and son frequently journey to Antwerp, “the diamond capital of the world”, where 84% of the world’s diamonds are traded and over a three-day period, they will often look at 1,200 diamonds, but may only purchase 30-35 stones. With diamonds, the “4 Cs” of colour, clarity, carat and cut are the key attributes which denote quality and, ultimately, price. The latter, cut, or “make” as Michael’s father would have once said, is the most critical element. It is the cut which manipulates light and evokes a sense of fire and brilliance. “Two diamonds may appear identical on paper, but behave very differently,” Michael explains. “One may appear dull, whilst the other may communicate in a very tantalizing way, giving little glimpses of the rainbow which you can’t hold onto. And that is what I am seeking.” Such is the confidence in the diamonds he selects, clients of the store can trade up diamonds previously purchased from Laing’s for larger stones, receiving the full retail price paid in partexchange for a new item of diamond jewellery. Michael describes this process as “growing carats”, a process which appeals to many.

Horological Heaven

Another key strength of Laing is the wide selection of prestigious watch brands the company offers. Illustrious names such as Breitling, Cartier, Chopard, Longines, Omega, Rolex and TAG Heuer need little explanation. However, it reaffirms the high esteem the Edinburgh-based company is held in, as the Swiss watch industry is careful to only select the finest and most competent retailers to represent their cherished brands. Recently, Laing became an official stockist for the haute horlogerie brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre, a Swiss watchmaking company that has a history dating back 180 years, something that no doubt resonates with the Laing family.

The company from the Vallée de Joux, a region famed for its watchmaking mastery, is a “Manufacture”, meaning it makes its own movements, a competence that is rare. Moreover, the prestigious maison is known for its “complicated watches” and its ultrathin movements. “Jaeger-LeCoulture’s ultra-thin tourbillon, priced under £50,000, is sheer elegance,” Michael says. “It is the little details on that model which are so wonderful, such as the hour markers. The hardest thing in the world for me as a designer is to be simple, but different. I look at each detail on this watch and think what a mouthwatering proposition it is.” Another key area of Laing is the selection of pre-owned timepieces the retailer offer. Their vast experience provides an accessible means of acquiring a horological gem, safe in the knowledge that its provenance is assured.

Citizen of the World

Michael Laing’s commercial acumen, eye for design and people skills, have seen his company expand over the years. In 1995, Laing acquired Parkhouse, a retailer with stores in Southampton and Cardiff, which thrives under the family’s stewardship. However, first and foremost, Edinburgh is home to Michael and his family. He is the Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, a position he has held since 1999 and in 2000, he organised a charity concert in with José Carreras for Leukaemia Research. This event holds the Scottish record for the highest amount raised in a single charity concert. His achievements have also been recognised outside of the city. In 2001, Michael received an O.B.E., awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for “services to consumer protection and hallmarking”. Later in 2009, he received the Freedom of the City of London and more recently, he became a Chevalier of Burgundy in November 2013. This all stands to justify that here is a man of distinction, not only through the passion and expertise of his work, but also in his personal life. And for those wishing to procure a brilliant piece of jewellery or a horological gem, Laing in Edinburgh offers all the assurance that 175 years of experience can provide.