Gillian Packard was born in 1938 in Newcastle, England. After school, she studied at Kingston College of Art, Central School, and the Royal College of Art. During breaks, she worked as a saleswoman at the renowned Esprey jewelry store on London’s Bond Street.
After graduating, Packard entered several competitions and won awards. In 1962, she won a prestigious award for a diamond and emerald ring. In subsequent years, she received awards for a diamond engagement ring and a rose quartz piece.
Packard’s style was innovative for its time. She is known primarily for elegant rings characterized by their shape and geometry. She also created pieces with a more organic look.
In 1964, Packard opened a workshop in London’s West End. She employed six people, but Packard designed all of her designs herself. The workshop’s products were supplied to over 60 shops across England, as well as to the United States, Africa, and Europe.
One of Packard’s innovations was the creation of interlocking wedding and engagement rings. She also developed new stone-setting techniques and paid particular attention to the color of the stones used.
In 1969, Packard became chair of the British branch of the World Council of Applied Arts. During her career, she traveled the world promoting British craftsmanship.
Gillian Packard died in 1997, but her jewelry continues to delight collectors worldwide.
