Our History

Soon recognised for the quality of our workmanship by Queen Victoria, we obtained a Royal Warrant in 1893 and some years later, in 1903, Robert Kirk Inches co-founded the Edinburgh Association of Goldsmiths, Silversmiths & Watchmakers, established to ‘to prevent firms from selling ‘shoddy’ goods and protecting consumer interest’. Our commitment to providing the highest quality goods to our clients remains central to how we work today.

Robert Kirk Inches not only played a pivotal role in the business community of turn of the century Edinburgh, but was a prominent figure in civic society until his death in 1918. He was elected to represent the Morningside Ward on Edinburgh Town Council in 1900. In 1912 he was elected Lord Provost of Edinburgh, a post he held for the duration of World War 1 and was knighted by George V in 1915.

Following Robert’s death, the company passed to his son, Edward James Inches, who continued to foster the tradition created by his father and great uncle. He was later joined by his sons, first Campbell Inches and then his younger brother, Ian Inches. It was in 1952, under the ownership of Robert Kirk Inches’ grandson Ian, that the company moved to number 87 George Street. Number 87 continues to house some of the world’s finest watch and jewellery collections, as well as our exceptionally talented team of craftspeople. We are now the only Scottish manufacturing goldsmiths company to survive that can trace our roots back to the 19th century.