Our Story
It began with two sisters.
The Carat Shop began with two sisters. Claire had trained in jewellery design at university and worked as a goldsmith; Anna worked in finance in London. When they became mums, they wanted more flexibility than their careers could offer - so they built something of their own instead, and committed to it completely. Claire designed the jewellery, and together they sold it: at jewellery parties, school fêtes and market stalls, and through their own website in the early days of online shopping.
Then they spotted a gap. Fans of the world's biggest stories had nowhere to buy official jewellery that felt properly designed - considered, collectible, something you'd genuinely wear. So they asked Warner Bros. for a meeting, and took a sketchbook of drawings and product ideas with them. Warner Bros. said yes.
Still a family business
Claire continues to lead product design and innovation, Anna leads our retail partnerships, and Erin, Claire's daughter, has stepped into the role of Managing Director, focusing on the company's long-term strategy, growth and future direction. Together, they are building on the foundations laid over the past twenty years while preparing The Carat Shop for its next chapter.
Backing the vision - and learning from the best
Twenty years in, we're still students of our craft - investing in the business and sharing rooms with leading entrepreneurs and business experts who push us to keep raising the bar.
Twenty years, in moments
Two sisters, one idea
Claire and Anna start The Carat Shop - selling their own designs at jewellery parties, school fêtes, market stalls and online.
We take on the Warner Bros. licences
A sketchbook of ideas wins a meeting with Warner Bros. - and a trusted licensed partnership begins.
A bigger home
A second office, and our pieces reach the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - taken home by fans from around the world.
Our first advent calendar
We launch our first advent calendar. We now release one every year - each more exciting than the last - and have become known for them. The same year we launch our bestselling Time-Turner Spinning Necklace.
Into our countryside HQ
We move to our current home - a Hertfordshire barn where design, photography and dispatch now sit under one roof.
Pusheen & Barbie join the family
We take on the Pusheen and Barbie licences, and win the Warner Bros. Consumer Product Trophy.
Wicked, Molang & Liverpool FC
We take on the Wicked and Molang licences, and step into football with Liverpool FC.
German warehouse & Manchester City FC
We open our German warehouse - getting pieces to our European customers faster than ever - take on the Manchester City FC licence, and win the Warner Bros. Best TV & Film Product Trophy.
Twenty years & our most magical calendar yet
We celebrate 20 years of The Carat Shop, and launch our most innovative and exciting advent calendar yet - the Harry Potter Time-Turner Advent Calendar, arriving this year.
Every piece begins by hand
Before a single piece is produced, it lives on paper. Our designers draw each idea by hand - from a Golden Snitch to a house crest - colouring, refining and getting the details exactly right before it ever becomes jewellery.
Where every piece is born
Pencil, watercolour and endless refining - from a Golden Snitch to a Time-Turner.
Officially licensed, endlessly loved
The story in numbers
Every product should be worthy of a place in someone's collection.
That's the test each design has to pass before we'll make it. Everything we sell is officially licensed and approved by the brands themselves; every piece is designed in Britain by our own team, then checked and quality controlled before it reaches you - the kind of detail a superfan will notice, at prices that make giving easy.
Wear the worlds
you love.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or buying for one, you'll find something worth treasuring.