Garrard no longer Crown Jeweller

British Jeweller Garrard, the oldest jewellery house in the world, has lost its title of official Crown Jeweller after 160 years of being appointed by Queen Victoria. In a bid to move forward, Buckingham Palace has appointed Harry Collins, a relatively unknown company based in Kent. The Palace stated it had no issues with Garrard, and that is was simply 'time for a change.'

The media, however, have been quick to point out that the recent appointment of pop singer Christina Aguilera as the company's new face may have been regarded as an 'embarrassment' to the Royal Family. From July 21, Mr Collins will care for the Crown Jewels and the Queen's personal jewellery collection. He will travel to a workshop at Buckingham Palace at least once a week to clean and mend the Queen's many priceless crowns, tiaras, necklaces and brooches.

Queen Victoria originally entrusted the position of Crown Jeweller to Garrard in 1843 and it has held the appointment ever since. The title currently belongs to Garrard employee David V Thomas, 65, a Welsh clockmaker's son who has carried the Queen's personal warrant since 1991. She was not inclined to replace him until his retirement this month and Garrard will still retain three Royal Warrants, according to The Mail.