Overview
- Appointed Crown Jeweller in 1991 after being recruited by Garrard in 1986, Thomas led the care, cleaning and repair of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
- He supervised the Imperial State Crown’s transport for the State Opening of Parliament and carried out on-the-spot repairs during major ceremonies.
- Thomas crafted Princess Diana’s wedding ring from Welsh gold in 1981 and later catalogued her jewellery after her death, having collaborated with her on the ‘Swan Lake Suite’.
- While at Cleave and Company in 2017, he worked on the engagement ring Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle, a commission he kept strictly confidential.
- Beginning as a jewellery cleaner and postboy at Collingwood in 1959, he rose to director, was appointed MVO for service to the monarch, retired in 2007 as Garrard lost its royal warrant, and is survived by his wife, Vivienne Simms, and their three children.