the trophy A visit to Garrard, the world’s oldest jewellery house. A fter only one year, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has already established itself as one of the high points of the international equestrian season. When the CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows “Masters” and CHI Geneva joined forces to create the Rolex Grand Slam, a new prestigious, highly challenging trophy came into the spotlight of the sports world. Riders from all over the globe strive to win this trophy, because, to become an equestrian legend, they will have to one day win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Only the rider who manages to win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, the Spruce Meadows “Masters” and the CHI Geneva in succession may carry off this coveted trophy. Naturally, an exceptional initiative such as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping demands a one-of-akind trophy. Consequently, none other than Garrard, the renowned London jewellers established in 1735 Garrard and the oldest jewellers in the world, was commissioned by Rolex to design a bespoke trophy. Located in the heart of London, at 24 Albemarle Street, the firm is renowned for royal crown making and acknowledged for its work in connection with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. It also has made ceremonial regalia and presentational silverware for governments and important international institutions. In addition to regalia and the royal segment, the design and creation of sporting trophies for world-class events has been another major part of Garrard’s work since the 18th century. Thus the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping trophy is part of a long heritage of trophy making by Garrard. Its most famous trophy is the America’s Cup, a silver ewer made in 1848 for the yacht race of 1851 around the Isle of Wight. Moreover, the much-loved footballers’ Premier League trophy launched in 1993 was designed and created by the company. In the equestrian world, Garrard has also made some of horse racing, show jumping and polo’s finest trophies. The majestic Ascot cups were especially elaborate creations, such as the 1860 Ascot Gold Vase and Ascot Queen’s Cup of 1861. A particularly prestigious prize was the King George V trophy for the Royal International Horse Show. It was made in 1911 of 18 ct gold, depicting a figure of St George on horseback slaying a dragon. Other key events include the 1981 Epsom Derby Stakes and the Goodwood races. Internationally, Garrard has supplied trophies for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Royal Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia, and, in 1996, the firm designed and created the inaugural Dubai World Cup for horseracing. In recent years, this tradition has continued and Garrard has produced a number of special trophies, designed by Corinna Pike, the bespoke and regal jewels designer, and heritage director at Garrard. Highlights include, in 2011, the horseracing Goodwood Magnolia Cup and the international yachting series World Match Racing Tour Championship trophy followed by the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping trophy in 2013. Designer Corinna Pike is a jewellery and silver specialist and a qualified gemmologist and has worked at Garrard for over 20 years; her diverse 53
Rolex Grand Slam magazine - Number 2
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