Products of the Jewel Factory
Although gone, “The Jewel Factory” is certainly not forgotten. Its memory lives on not only through the happy memories of us ex-employees, but also through the many items made there over the years (some of which can still be found advertised on various web sites).
This includes things that would not really be classed as jewellery, such a cigarette cases, serviette rings, etc. At one time the firm was one of the leading manufactures of silver thimbles, with “The Spa” thimbles still being much sought after by avid collectors of thimbles. The Jewel Factory also did its bit for the war effort, using the skills of the employees to assemble delicate instruments for aircraft etc. I was told by one of the older employees that they used to have wings of Lancaster bombers being worked on in the factory.
Social Wellbeing
At one time most larger firms tried to help with their workers social wellbeing as well as their working conditions, and the Jewel Factory was no exception. It had its own football and cricket teams that played on the firm’s own sports field, which was along the Tachbrook side of the factory building. Most of this field was sold off in 1963/64 when the Courier Press building was built. The rest of it went around 1980 when The Queensway was finally joined up to Tachbrook Road.
There were also two bowling greens, one fronting the Tachbrook Road and the other down the Leamington side of the factory. These went in 1957/58 when the factory was extended and new driveways were cut through them, and so put an end to the practice by where one of the bosses would send for somebody off the shop floor to go and play a game of bowls, something that apparently happened regularly in the old days.
The Factory Pop Band
It was also in the 1960s with the rise of pop groups that a group of employees formed “Purple Porridge” playing cover versions of the latest hits at local dances etc, practicing on the likes of old tea-chests during their lunch hour. Sadly, firms like Henry Griffith and Sons seem to be a thing of the past. True the wages weren’t great but the atmosphere made up for that. This is borne out by the fact that most former employees only have happy memories of their time at “The Jewel Factory”
This is part two of Richard’s memories. The first part can be found by following this link.
Comments
Lovely reading about your memories. I’ve just bought a beautifully made, hallmarked 5 carat Amethyst ring from an online seller. The workmanship is perfect and shows off the stone wonderfully. Thanks to everyone who created these memorable pieces which will now be passed down to our girls in America.
i have a small, sterling silver horse shoe pendant made by HG&S.
date marked 1932
reg.no. 761012(ENGLAND).
i would love to know what that no. refers to.
I have the exact ring that appears on the front of the promotional brochure here and wonder when that dates back to or any other interesting information about it as I’m unsure who, in the family, it belonged to.
Dear Richard how’s Chris the best lapper at h g s
Hi Steve, Really good to hear from you. Did somebody say you are now a Granddad? Last time I saw Chris she was married with a daughter who must be about 20 by now. Rich.
Hi, I just bought a vintage ring hallmarked H.G.&S 9plat
As I researched the hallmark I came across your posts and really enjoyed reading about your experience. I am from the United States and have never seen a 9 carat gold. Do you happen to know what other alloys were typically used for 9 carat golds?
Hi Sue, Thank you for your comments re my article.
The answer to your question re the alloy used for 9ct gold is that basically it is the same as that used for other carets except the gold content is less. So where as for 14ct the gold content is 585 parts per thousand, for 9ct it is 375 parts per thousand. The rest of the mix is usually made up of varying amounts of silver, copper etc. depending on what colour you want the gold to be.
During my time at HG&S we often produced items in 14ct specifically for the American market.
in reply to William Hendersons query, we also have a small silver horseshoe with the same markings and were wondering about its history. If any one has any answers please comment.
Thank you Lynne Eveleigh
I too have the horseshoe mentioned but I thought my date letter of a capital H put it 1856 not 1932 but I can’t find any date info past 1924.
Ignore above! 1932 right date!
Hi Richard
I too came across the site when I was researching an item that was for sale which took my eye, it’s a bangle/bracelet from the fidelity range. It’s a buckle style with 5 size settings but all the markings say is 9ct the hg & s fidelity and the number 524198 but after researching all others seemed to say 524196. Could you shed any light before I purchase as I wouldn’t want to purchase if not the correct thing, many thanks I do know it says something about the front and back being 9ct which I assume is rolled gold.
Michelle
Loved reading all these comments. please can you help me identify a bracelet marked H.G. 1/20th of 12K G.
it has 4 links to the bracelet and 4 black onyx,glass or jet flat rectangular stones. its soooo beautiful. I wanted to know how old it is. Can you help. Its NOT for sale because I love it. I just want the history to tell people when I wear it.
Sherry
I was an apprentice in the tool-room with Dave Packwood and knew the rest of the crew who worked on the stamps (drop forge). HG&S were fairly inventive – what sherry is referring to is rolled gold, a layer of 9ct on a base metal. i have been trying to find mates from that time, anyone recognises my name?
About time someone arranged a reunion 🙂 great memories (gem setter, 1970 – 1976)
I have just inherited a HG&sS
18ct plat trio ring, it belonged to my cousin handed down from his mother, he was born in 1944 so I presume it was her engagement ring from the late 1930s. I would like to know a little more about it. Thank you.
I’m really hoping someone might know the history of a ring My mother in law has just found. She has no idea where it came from as it is a very small size. She lived in Leamington Spa in the 1950s I believe, but doesn’t recall the jewel factory as she was only very young at the time.
It is a solitaire ring with what looks like pave shoulders. It looks gold plated and the hallmarks inside are “H.G&S 9CT SIL.SET.” There is also a separate “M” or “K” on the other side.
I don’t know if it is diamond although I suspect not if it is silver set but would love to know how old it may be and what it’s value could be? I cannot see any other markings such as an Assay Office mark?
Can anyone help? It is a very small size and delicate ring that I assume was a dress ring rather than diamond but would love to know more about it.
Thank you
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