SCOTLAND'S OLDEST JEWELLER CELEBRATES 175 ANNIVERSARY

Laings of Glasgow are celebrating a magnificent 175 years in business, to mark this milestone we take a look at where the company started and explore its journey though the years.

It was back in 1840 when the Laing wholesaling and manufacturing company  was established in Brunswick Street, Glasgow. Where so many other businesses fade into obscurity after only a few years, Laings has successfully managed the delicate balance between evolving with the current climate and retaining its traditional values.

The family firm was originally a manufacturing and wholesaling business (James Laing was an accomplished clockmaker), but it soon concentrated on retailing and rapidly gained a reputation for exquisite service among the gentry of Victorian Glasgow, then the Second city of the Empire.

Based in St. Vincent’s Street for much of the firm’s existence, Laings endured through the Great Depression and two World Wars to the 1960’s when a new shop was opened in Renfield Street. It was in 1971 under the present executive Chairman, Stuart Laing, the great-great-great-great-nephew of founder James Laing, that the company made its most significant move when the business opened its doors in the iconic Argyll Arcade, this was the beginning of their presence in what is known as a European centre of excellence in the jewellery trade.

Currently in the hands of husband and wife team Wendy Laing and Joe Walsh (pictured at the top of the page), Laings is growing from strength to strength, with the company directors working on site you can be sure to see the faces of the family on the shop floor - if you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the famous Stuart Laing, the legendary Executive Chairman!

The company now has three stores within the Argyll Arcade and a significant online presence, all of which guarantee a five star service to all customers. Shopping with Laings is not jut about making a purchase, it is an experience to remember - how many can say they were welcomed into store by the 6th generation of a family business. 

With luxury watch brands such as Patek Phillipe, Jaeger LeCoultre, Rolex and Officine Panerai Laings welcome visitors from all over the world to explore their collections. Sharing these incomparable brands with only a few other retailers cements its reputation as a prime luxury destination within Scotland.

Their own brand jewellery sits seamlessly alongside their watch collections with an outstanding selection of engagement rings, diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones and pearls.

In celebration of their 175^th anniversary they have launched an exquisite jewellery collection, named simply ‘The 175 Gold Collection’, this exclusive range in now available in their three Glasgow stores and online.

Other recent ventures include expanding the repairs and watch servicing department and launching a fabulous bespoke design service, so if what you dream of is a unique creation then The Laings Bespoke Jewellery Design Service can accommodate your every need. With award winning designer Kirsty Berry and highly trained, experienced Goldsmith Stuart Thompson, Laings of Glasgow can custom-create a spectacular piece of jewellery to be treasured throughout the generations. Whether it be a diamond ring or a piece of fine jewellery, Laings bespoke jewellery service can bring your imagination to life.

To the future…With investment into re-designing the Laings website and a whole host of exclusive products to be launched this year it would seem much of the Laings’ story remains to be written.

We hope you have enjoyed reading the history of Scotland's oldest jeweller, for all the latest news about Laings you can find us on Twitter, Facebook,Instagram and Pinterest.