Cecil Drayson
Cecil Drayson was founded London in 1936 by Keith Cecil Drayson, however his family’s involvement in jewelry can be traced back to at least the beginning of the 20th Century. Documents from 1907 and on list Drayson as purchasers of significant antique jewelry such as tiaras, necklaces, pendants and bracelets from top London auction houses such a Christie’s (then Christie, Manson & Wood) and Phillips (then Philips, Son & Neale). One item in particular, the Hope Spinel which Drayson bought in 1917 for £1060. The family not only dealt in antique jewelry, but Keith’s uncle, Alfred Drayson, was a well regarded diamond and precious stone dealer who was also the chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce’s diamond and pearl department. So when Keith opened Cecil Drayson Ltd he had both knowledge and experience that helped him quickly gain a reputation for elegant and high quality jewels that were well designed and artfully made. The Art Deco period was well underway during the 1930's and had greatly influenced the designs of the company. Several different manufacturing shops were used to create the jewelry, one of which was G Music & Sons who are still located in London’s manufacturing jewelry center, Hatton Garden. The later jewelry became more abstract. By the 1960’s the company had moved from 179 New Bond Street to their new address at 1 Burlington Gardens. After the passing of Keith in 1963 the company was sold to the jewelers S.J. Rood who were in turn bought by Hancocks in 1998.
