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Chatila at 165: A Legacy of Brilliance, Beauty, and Family Integrity


A Rare Legacy of Excellence
As Chatila approaches its 165th anniversary, few names in the world of fine jewellery can claim such longevity, consistency, and familial continuity. Founded in 1860 by George Chatila, a skilled and principled silversmith, the house has grown into one of the most respected global jewellery maisons—still bearing the family name above the doors in London’s Old Bond Street and Geneva’s Rue du Rhône. Today, under the stewardship of the third and fourth generations—Nicholas, Edward, Carlos, and myself—the legacy continues, rooted in a philosophy of uncompromising integrity and timeless elegance.

The Strength of Family
In a world increasingly driven by shareholder demands and fleeting trends, Chatila remains fiercely independent. Our strength lies in being a family-run business, where long-term vision takes precedence over short-term gain. This multigenerational commitment drives us to uphold the family’s name, protect our reputation, and operate with strategic purpose. Our clients—ranging from royalty and celebrities to world leaders—know that they are not just purchasing a piece of jewellery, but becoming part of a legacy.

Stewards of Natural Masterpieces
At the heart of Chatila’s work is an awe-inspired reverence for gemstones. We are personally involved in every aspect of sourcing, selecting, and valuing the rarest stones the earth has to offer. From the 87-carat D Flawless “Hapsburg” diamond to the 331-carat “Catherine the Great” sapphire once belonging to the Russian empress, our history is adorned with legendary stones. Each gem that passes through our hands is treated not merely as a commodity but as a natural wonder—works of divine creation, beyond the realm of human artistry.

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Aesthetic Purity and Personal Craftsmanship
At Chatila, the design journey always begins with the stone. Our philosophy is to let each gem guide the design—to let it speak, and then find a setting that enhances its voice. Our highly skilled artisans, drawing on decades of tradition, transform each creation into a wearable heirloom. Every detail is deliberate. Every setting is a marriage of beauty and structural perfection. Whether creating an original piece or tailoring a bespoke design, we ensure the end result is not only exquisite, but eternal.

Iconic Creations
While gemstone-led design is our hallmark, certain design-first creations have also marked turning points in our journey. One such piece is the “Cleopatra” diamond bracelet—a serpentine work of art crafted in red and yellow gold. First unveiled at Masterpiece London, it inspired an entire suite including earrings, necklace, and ring, capturing imaginations and embodying the regal elegance that defines Chatila.

Balancing Innovation with Identity
True innovation is not a departure from tradition but an evolution of it. At Chatila, we balance modernity with enduring values. We do not follow trends for the sake of fashion, but instead pursue refined innovation grounded in ethical sourcing, artistic expression, and sustainable value. As a family business, we maintain fair pricing and lasting quality—offering not just beauty, but investment in craftsmanship that retains its worth.

Celebrating a Milestone
Marking 165 years in 2025, we reflect not only on our heritage, but on the road ahead. While our 150th was commemorated with a grand celebration at Claridge’s, the spirit of this anniversary calls for something more intimate and forward-looking. Among the ideas in development is an exclusive line of jewelled ladies’ handbags—an elegant venture into a new category, offering our clientele a fresh expression of Chatila style and craftsmanship. A celebration not only of our past, but of our passion for what’s yet to come.

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Staff Report
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