The Laings Story

Laings is a prestigious family-run jeweller with over 180 years’ experience in the industry. Established in 1840, we are now one of the largest independent jewellery businesses operating six stores across the UK. In an industry where heritage and reputation count for so much, the long-established name of Laings is now a byword for high-quality jewellery, luxury watches and exceptional customer service.

Brothers James and William Laing established the family wholesale and manufacturing business in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City. From there, the business grew, expanding into retail and soon becoming recognised as an iconic brand in the jewellery industry. Now in the hands of the sixth generation of the Laing family, Executive Chairman, Stuart Laing acts as a guiding hand for his daughter, Wendy Laing, Marketing Director and her husband, Joe Walsh, CEO. Richard Laing also sits on the board of directors and the exceptional family legacy continues.

Stuart joined the family business in 1970 and the company grew from strength to strength under his ownership and that of his brother Michael. Soon after, in 1975 Stuart created Houlden Group, a premium consortium that supports luxury jewellers based in the Uk and Ireland in networking, buying, training, business services and marketing. The Houlden Group is now among the top 3 jewellery and watch buying services.

After opening a further showroom in Edinburgh in 1978 and purchasing another historic family jewellers Parkhouse and Wyatt based in Southampton in 1995, and opening a second Parkhouse in Cardiff in 2000, brothers Stuart and Michael split the business. 

Stuart continued to develop the Glasgow business with three stores based in the renowned Argyll Arcade situated in the prestigious shopping metropolis on Buchanan Street.

Stuart studied at the Centre for Horology (CFH) in Lausanne Switzerland. It's, therefore, no surprise that Laings offer their customers an array of Swiss timepieces including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and Breitling to name but a few. 

In 2011 Wendy and Joe joined Laings, continuing to grow the business, and in 2017 they bought Michael’s business and the family jewellers were reunited as one under one brand ‘Laings’. Laings is now one of the largest run family businesses within the UK. 

In 2018 Stuart was delighted to be awarded an OBE in the Queens Honours List for his services to the UK jewellery industry. 

The families dedication to the growth of the business is only rivalled by their passion for exceptional and personal customer service that has become synonymous with the name Laings. At Laings, we understand that purchasing any piece of fine jewellery, diamond ring or luxury watch is an important decision, often to celebrate a landmark moment in life. This is why we strive to provide only the best service, and everything we do is for a memorable occasion.

Our team will do all they can to make your purchase a special experience. In-store our jewellery and watch experts can guide you through our collections to help you to find the perfect piece. Our dedicated online customer service team is also available to offer you advice, no matter how big or small your query is. Whether in-store or online, we will work with you to help you confidently select the perfect item for you or your loved one.

At Laings, we host an exceptional selection of luxury watch and jewellery brands. Our collection of exquisite engagement rings, fine jewellery and luxury timepieces are all hand-picked to become that precious item to be cherished throughout generations. As a long-established family business, we need to have strict criteria and only put our name to products worthy of our outstanding reputation.

Fine jewellery and luxury watches are items to be treasured – start your own Laings story today.