Pragnell Debuts Origins Collection Inspired by 17th-Century Ceiling

British jeweller Pragnell has introduced the Origins collection, a new range of gold and diamond pieces that draw directly from a 430-year-old plaster ceiling uncovered at the company’s Wood Street headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon. The launch builds on the family-owned firm’s tradition of referencing historical design elements from its surroundings and underlines its commitment to British craftsmanship.

British jeweller Pragnell

The decorative ceiling, known internally as the Royal Court pattern, dates to the early 1600s during the reign of King James I. Architectural records attribute the intricate work to Abraham Sturley, a local architect who was an associate of William Shakespeare.

Composed of octagonal and triangular forms, the plasterwork remained hidden beneath later renovations until Pragnell’s restoration team exposed it while refurbishing the Tudor-era building that now houses the retailer’s main showroom and corporate offices.

Over the centuries, the structure has served a variety of purposes, operating at different times as a private residence, legal practice, butcher’s shop, public house and theatre before becoming Pragnell’s headquarters.

Despite these changes, the Jacobean ceiling has endured as a prominent architectural feature and continues to influence the company’s design language. Pragnell notes that elements of the pattern have appeared in its jewellery for decades, but the latest collection is the first to adopt the motif as its central theme.

Historical plaster design

For the Origins line, the historical plaster design has been reinterpreted as a symmetrical geometric motif that Pragnell refers to simply as the Jacobean pattern. The reimagined design translates the ceiling’s octagonal geometry into polished triangular surfaces and precise angles intended to evoke the sharp relief of the original plasterwork. Each piece in the collection aims to capture the balance between ornate heritage detailing and clean modern lines.

The range comprises rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, all handcrafted in Great Britain from 18-carat yellow gold and set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. According to the company, the choice of yellow gold reflects the warm tones of the Tudor interior, while the diamonds highlight the recessed areas of the original ceiling pattern. Every item was designed by members of the Pragnell family, continuing the brand’s practice of in-house creative development.

In conjunction with the launch, Pragnell has partnered with The King’s Foundation, the charitable organisation established by King Charles III to advance traditional craft skills. A portion of sales from the Origins collection will be donated to the foundation to support training programs and conservation projects focused on heritage craftsmanship. The collaboration aligns with the jeweller’s stated objective of preserving artisanal techniques within the United Kingdom’s luxury sector.

The introduction of Origins

The introduction of Origins follows a series of recent product releases by Pragnell, including a handcrafted charms line and the Kitulo garnet collection inspired by the Tanzanian landscape.

The company has also expanded its retail footprint, opening a showroom in Leicester and reporting increased revenues for its most recent financial year. The latest collection reinforces the brand’s strategy of linking new designs to its historical environment while supporting wider initiatives that promote British craft.

Crédito da imagem: Jewellery Focus