The Pobjoy history

EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE

The Pobjoy family traces it's connections to diamonds and precious metals back over 300 years. The British Pobjoy Mint was established in London in 1965...

FROM THE BEGINNING

The Pobjoy family started in the fine jewellery business in the South of London in the 1930s. The company specialised in the design and creation of regalia, diamond set and other fine jewellery.

After his apprenticeship with the family business and perfecting his skills as a trained gemologist, Derek Pobjoy set up the Pobjoy Mint in 1965.

INNOVATION AND EVOLUTION

Using a single, second hand press, purchased with a loan, the first commemorative medal was struck by the Pobjoy Mint in recognition of Sir Winston Churchill.

In the days before the internet and social media, sales were slow initially. But through good old fashioned press releases and classified adverts in the national press, the medals finally started to sell.

The major breakthrough came with the agreement by the Isle of Man, a self governing Crown Dependancy, for the Pobjoy Mint to strike it's first 25 pence piece.

This first licence to design and create legal tender coins paved the way for new contracts with dozens of other overseas UK territories and small countries, wishing to create their own legal tender coinage.

In the years since, the Pobjoy Mint has designed thousands of original - and often award winning- coins. 

It has developed ground breaking minting and finishing techniques, invented new coin shapes and metals and even set up an autonomous minting facility for an overseas government.

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Pobjoy Virenium

ROYAL CREDENTIALS

In 1990 the Pobjoy Mint was the proud recipient of the coveted Queen's Award for Export Achievement.

Ever since striking their first legal tender coin, Pobjoys have maintained a proactive relationship with the Palace. The mint has struck countless official commemorative and circulating coins, personally approved by and bearing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's effigy or the Coat of Arms of the relevant country.

This cherished relationship continues, with the first Pobjoy coin bearing the effigy of King Charles III due for release in 2023.

Over the years some of the most popular Pobjoy coins have been those struck to commemorate key royal events and anniversaries.

Magical Credentials

The fictional Gringotts bank, featured in the first Harry Potter movie, was filmed within the vault of the British Pobjoy Mint.

Permission was then granted by Warner Bros. for the Mint to strike a collectors pack of Gringotts coins.

These proved to be extremely popular and remain in demand amongst collectors to this day.

With over ten overseas territories in it's portfolio, including the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands, Pobjoy Mint became Europe's largest privately owned, high security manufacturing facility.

After some 25 years at the helm, Taya Pobjoy, mint master and managing director, announced her well deserved retirement in October 2023. And so after 58 years of striking it's first coin, the Pobjoy Mint concluded operations, although it's enviable reputation lives on..

Taya Pobjoy

MINT JEWELLERY, DIAMONDS & OBJETS D'ART

Throughout their expansion within the minting arena, Pobjoys continued their involvement in fine jewellery, setting up a substantial wholesale operation in the 1970's.

Supplying such firms as Goldsmiths and multiple upscale high street boutiques, Pobjoy Mint Jewellery became synonymous within the industry for classic and contemporary designed, quality jewellery and customer service into the new millenium.

By 2009, Pobjoy became focussed on specialised, bespoke jewellery services, exclusively to private clients.

POBJOY DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELLERY

Building upon this exemplary reputation, knowledge and expertise, Pobjoy Diamonds & Fine Jewellery was launched in 2019 by Taya Pobjoy's husband, Richard Cunningham, to bring fabulous high jewellery directly to a wider audience.

Pobjoy Diamonds prides itself upon it's integrity, exceptional quality, personal service - and focus on customer value.

With a refreshingly contemporary range of the very finest jewellery - and access to over one million certified diamonds, there is plenty to explore.

And with our free, unbiased guidance we aim to make your decision making process an enjoyable experience.

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POBJOY DIAMONDS BESPOKE

Creating your very own piece of jewellery is a wonderful adventure and one of our passions is to take that journey with you.

We provide experienced and informed advice and as much design input as you desire. Our bespoke jewellery and diamond ring service includes a free initial draft design and quotation.

Pobjoy Diamonds & Fine Jewellery became a member of the National Association of Jewellers in 2019.

THE POBJOY STANDARD - OUR UNIQUE 20/20 PROCESS

When Pobjoy select a diamond to set within your engagement ring, we apply a unique twenty stage evaluation process.

The colour and clarity grading describes a fair amount about any given diamond. But not enough to exceed the exacting standards we set. 

We understand our customers have plenty of choice. So  we know we have to deliver something extra special.

So to guarantee your diamond is exceptional rather than just acceptable, we look beyond "the 4C's."

LOOSE DIAMONDS & COLOURED GEMSTONES

Choosing your own perfect diamond or coloured gemstone requires access to an extensive and eclectic range of quality assured stones.

With our comprehensive diamond search facility you can discover literally hundreds of thousands of conflict free, independently certified mined and ethically created lab grown diamonds. And we are always here to lend you a helping hand as to what aspects of each diamond you may wish to prioritise.

You can also request your ideal GIA-certified coloured gemstone with our new gem finder service.

Whichever way we may assist, a very warm welcome awaits you at Pobjoy Diamonds.

I have dealt with the Pobjoy business for many years and have always found them to be polite, efficient and understanding.

Having just bought one of their new diamond products I am happy to say that the above statement remains true and will happily carry on dealing with them for many more years to come.

Highly recommended.

- John Corbin

Jersey

Pobjoy - I do not know how to put into words just how beautiful my engagement ring is. It is more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating the most beautiful ring I have ever seen and will cherish forever.

  I can't wait to come back in a few months for our wedding bands.

- Sophie Bardner

Surrey

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