About

W.Hamond jewellers is the oldest manufacturers and retailers of Whitby Jet jewellery and ornaments in the world. Opened in 1860, the original boutique was owned by James Storr, a name which can still be seen on the Victorian tiles that decorate the front of the shop.

Over generations, the name James Storr has evolved to become W. Hamond and the business is now recognised within Britain’s jewellery industry as being a leading innovator in design and manufacture.

W. Hamond are also dedicated to the advancement and elevation of British gemstones and have twice won the Gemmological Association of Great Britain’s Gem Empathy Award, as well as featuring on a number of television programs including Michael Portillo’s Great Railway Journey’s, Ade in Britain (below), Britain at Low Tide and BBC’s Back to the Land, all of which explain the geology and history of Whitby Jet and demonstrate how it is crafted into award-winning jewellery.

Over the years, W. Hamond has acquired an unrivalled collection of antique Whitby Jet as well as the largest specimen of rough Whitby Jet in the world, it was this responsibility that led to the decision to open the Museum of Whitby Jet located in the heart of Whitby’s old town.

With a firm belief that the history and heritage of Yorkshire’s gemstone should be shared with the world; the dedicated museum is just the next chapter in W. Hamond’s legacy.