You might not have heard of Abtin Abbasi, but if you’ve got any eyes on popular culture, you will have definitely seen his creations. Adorning the wrists (and necks, and fingers) of some of contemporary culture’s most relevant faces – from rappers AJ Tracey and Skepta, to footballer Eden Hazard and boxer Floyd Mayweather – his blinged-out customizations take up prime real estate on social media as well as 46 Hatton Garden, London.
Abbasi’s eponymous label, A Jewellers, most recently made headlines for the jaw-droppingly big, diamond-encrusted chain featuring the iconic side profile of the late Queen Elizabeth II worn by Central Cee at the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain.
The boutique has even made it into one of its clients songs, with Nigerian musician Burna Boy rapping in the 2022 hit It’s Plenty: “Don’t know how to show you my love without fuckin’ up / But I can buy you a new AP straight from A Jewellers.”
The timepieces that can be found here are certainly not subtle, and speak to only those with the deepest pockets. Gleaming marble and almost heavenly-bright spotlights showcase a constellation of precious stones across heavy-duty chains and holy-grail watches, where Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Rolex join a few unmodified classics.
WatchPro visited A Jewellers to find out more about its humble beginnings, and what head-turning timepieces are most coveted by their star-studded black book.
What’s the backstory to A Jewellers?
Established in 2008 in the heart of Hatton Garden, A Jewellers quickly became the destination for contemporary jewelry and exclusive watches. Its origins trace back to founder Abtin Abbasi, who, at just nineteen, sold his first piece of jewelry. Determined to make his mark in London’s traditional jewelry trade, he steadily honed his craft and built the reputation that would soon define A Jewellers.
A Jewellers initially catered to a tight circle of clients, focusing on bespoke creations that reflected individual stories. Word spread naturally through creative circles, musicians and artists, who recognized the brand’s unique talent for turning personal narratives into jewelry pieces. The outcome was a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
What sets the boutique apart in Hatton Garden?
A Jewellers establishes itself through a unique cultural lens, we’re not just creating jewelry, we’re curating narratives. Our close ties to the UK music scene and broader cultural spheres mean that our pieces are more than adornments; they’re symbols of identity, ambition, and heritage.
By combining technical mastery with a deep understanding of our clients’ lifestyles and influences, we offer something more personal, meaningful, and culturally relevant than a traditional jewelry house.
What’s currently the most in-demand timepiece, and how do you see the demand developing?
Right now, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus remain top requests from our clientele. These iconic designs have an enduring appeal due to their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and storied heritage. Moving forward, we anticipate a growing interest in vintage and limited production watches.
Collectors are increasingly looking for pieces that tell a story, watches that aren’t just investments but reflections of personality and history. As a result, we expect demand for unique, rare models to rise, shifting the focus from pure brand recognition to individual narrative and provenance.
What’s next for A Jewellers?
We’re continually pushing the boundaries of what jewelry and timepieces we can represent. Beyond creating custom pieces, we’re aiming to deepen our involvement with cultural communities, collaborating with influential artists, brands, and championing emerging talent in design and craftsmanship.
Our goal is to evolve A Jewellers into not just a home of fine pieces but a dynamic cultural platform where art, music, and craftsmanship converge, creating a legacy that resonates across generations.