Stephen Webster named creative director at Garrard

After more than 18 months of speculation we can confirm that the rumours are indeed true - British jewellery designer Stephen Webster is to take centre stage as creative director at Garrard.

By ELLE UK and NonePublished: 08 December 2008

<p>Webster - who has long been a favourite to take the reigns of the Royal jewellers from former creative director Jade Jagger - is one of the UK's leading jewellery designers and has a cult celebrity following, including Margo Stilley (pictured with Step

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Webster - who has long been a favourite to take the reigns of the Royal jewellers from former creative director Jade Jagger - is one of the UK's leading jewellery designers and has a cult celebrity following, including Margo Stilley (pictured with Stephen), Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. He counts Christina Aguilera - who fronted his recent ad campaign - as a close friend and he also gained fame after designing Madonna and Guy Ritchie's wedding bands.

Its kind of a strange one for me, Webster admitted to WWD of taking the creative helm at Garrard. Fifteen years ago when I was trying to sell my jewellery in England, no one was interested... Britain was very much into diamonds and pearls and my big cocktail rings didnt have a place. The one place that gave me a shot was Garrard, he recalled. They really were very enthusiastic about my product.

The 286-year-old London jeweller is famous for outfitting the British royal family and its past commissions include the engagement ring for Diana, Princess of Wales on her engagement to Prince Charles.

Webster, who has no doubt been enlisted by the historic jeweller to up its profile, plans to play on Garrards history, while also offering something fresh and new. There is an amazing history and you can go to the Tower of London and see history, but I want it to be a place where you can go in and be surprised and excited, he said.

Webster's avant-garde pieces will be available from Garrard stores.

By Delicia Smith

Posted 8 December 2008

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