The Story of Hamilton & Inches
Holding a continuous Royal Warrant since 1893 and currently serving as His Majesty The King’s Silversmith and Clockmaker in Scotland, Hamilton & Inches is an Edinburgh institution of unmatched prestige. Established in 1866 by Robert Kirk Inches and his uncle James Hamilton, the firm has occupied its magnificent Robert Adam-influenced Georgian townhouse at 87 George Street since 1952.
The showroom is an architectural marvel of Victorian decorative arts, featuring a soaring Corinthian ceiling, hand-carved mahogany cases, and antique glass vitrines. Uniquely in modern British retail, Hamilton & Inches maintains its historic silversmithing, jewellery, and watchmaking workshops directly above the showroom, where master craftsmen hand-forge Scottish silver ceremonial trophies, repair antique clocks, and set rare Scottish gold jewellery.
Clients discover peerless collections of fine engagement rings, certified diamonds, and precious coloured gemstones, alongside official agency displays for Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Chanel horology. From handcrafted sterling silver Quaichs to bespoke commissions created using rare gold mined in the Scottish Highlands, Hamilton & Inches embodies five generations of Scottish goldsmithing artistry.
Signature Specialties & Crafts
Key Venue Highlights
Royal Warrant Silversmith & Clockmaker to the British Monarchy since 1866
Exclusive collections fashioned from 100% single-mine Scottish Gold
Working Victorian jewellery, silver, and horology workshops housed on-site
“Ask to see pieces crafted from 100% single-mine Scottish Gold panned in the Scottish Highlands—Hamilton & Inches holds exclusive rights.”
Tax-Free & Overseas Shopping Advice
High-value direct export courier service for international buyers zero-rating UK VAT.
Direct overseas export zero-rates UK 20% VAT on qualifying purchases dispatched to non-UK residential addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the silversmithing workshops above the showroom?
Hamilton & Inches hosts exclusive guided tours of their rooftop craft workshops by prior appointment for clients interested in bespoke commissions.
Do they craft traditional Scottish silverware like Quaichs?
Yes, the master silversmiths hand-raise traditional silver Quaichs, quaich bowls, and ceremonial clan vessels bearing the Edinburgh Assay Office hallmark.
What is Scottish Gold and is it genuinely Scottish?
Hamilton & Inches holds an exclusive license for single-mine Scottish Gold, extracted with rigorous environmental standards from the Cononish mine in the Highlands.
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