Ray and Scott is a luxury boutique with 60 years of knowledge and tradition with the latest luxury brands and finest craftsmanship. Situated in a beautiful old Victorian bank, Ray and Scott The Jewellers is also home to Christopher Le Bideau’s Guernsey Goldsmiths workshop. This magical alliance offers customers the opportunity to have pieces created to their own design, as well as alterations made, on-site. We are a member of  The National Association of Jewellers and we were recently the winner of The 2017 UK Jewellery Watch of The Year award. 

Today, Ray and Scott is the largest quality jeweller in the Channel Islands. We stock a fantastic range of luxury watches including OMEGA, TAG Heuer, Zenith, Bremont, Dior, Gucci and many other reputable watch brands. Our fine superior collection of diamond jewellery is carefully sourced worldwide to offer our customers the very best diamonds the market has to offer.

When it comes to advice and after-sale care, the team are always there to help, even if you live across the water. Ray and Scott give both old and new – local and overseas customers the very best in customer care. Perhaps, it is the upholding of this most traditional value, which makes so many customers return to Ray and Scott The Jewellers, time and time again.

60 Sparkling Years

Martin Search, Managing Director talks about the history of the company as it celebrates its Diamond Anniversary.

Celebrating 60 Years in business, Ray & Scott originally called Charles Ray Jewellers – opened  its doors in 1961. Back then, wages and stocktakes were entered manually into ledgers. But business  grew, and Mr Ray realised that he should take on a partner in order to progress. He decided to advertise nationally for the position, which was answered by Thomas Scott, a jeweller from Glasgow. 

Determined to secure a better life for his family, Mr Scott  moved to Guernsey, and the name above the door changed to  Charles Ray & Scott. As the business expanded, new premises were sought, and the company moved into their current  prestigious building. Previously the National Westminster Bank, the building was designed by the same architect who designed the NatWest Bank in High Street, and the States Tourist Board building – all the entrances are similar with  their distinctive pink Cobo granite.  

‘The shop was originally very dark with curtains at the window and heavy wooden panelling,’ says current owner, Martin Search, who started to modernise the premises in the 80s.

‘Curtains, panelling and a gold-patterned carpet were  removed, and the walls and ceiling were painted in light colours. It really enhanced the feeling of opulence in the shop.’

The shop has continued to be constantly upgraded over the years, with LED lighting having recently been installed. Mr Ray had worried for weeks about the move as it was expensive, but it proved to be a short-lived problem as the business continued to thrive. A keen golfer, Mr Ray had a  great following from his fellow golfers, and Ray & Scott went  on to supply not only prize-giving awards, but centenary  trophies to both golf clubs.  

Mr Search, who studied management in Switzerland while  working for Mr Ray, started a five-year buyout in 1987. By 1992, he was the sole owner, and knew that his life’s work would be at Ray & Scott. The business changed its name to its current Ray & Scott. 

‘I met somebody from Tiffany & Co while I was in  Switzerland,’ he says. ‘At the time, they were expanding the stores. We had several meetings as they’d expressed their interest in Ray & Scott, but in the end, I decided not to sell.’

Never losing sights of its local roots, and always striving to give the best possible customer service, Ray & Scott acquired several top watch agencies, including one of its earliest brands, Omega. In 1995, the business also started selling  Fabergé.

‘I knew I needed to expand again,’ says Mr Search. ‘On a call  to a jeweller in the UK, I spoke to Jeff Fox, and really liked the way he handled the call. I asked him if he was going to the Basle Watch Fair.’ The rest, as they say, is history, as Mr  Fox and his family moved to Guernsey to start a new life, just  as Mr Scott had done years earlier.

 Martin and Jeff lead a fantastic team, and the past 15 years  have seen them sell the world’s most expensive watch, as well as raising more than £10,000 for Help A Guernsey Child, plus the business highlight for them – winning the prestigious UK  Watch Retailer of the Year award at the Hilton, Park Lane,  beating more than 350 other high-end retailers. 

‘The most important part of our success is our amazing staff,’ says Mr Search. ‘Over the years we’ve seen people leave for various reasons, including retirement, but they  have all been appreciated. There is no doubt that Ray & Scott  wouldn’t be the retailer it is without them.  

 ‘I’d also like to thank our incredible and loyal customers that support us come rain or shine, because without them, we wouldn’t be here.’

 ‘As we celebrate 60 years in business, we’ve launched our amazing Diamond Dream fundraiser. We are aiming to raise over £60,000 during our anniversary year.' 

'We are truly passionate about all that we do and hope our love of our lifetime’s work is reflected in our service and our expertise. We hope to celebrate our centenary with the island in 40 years’ time, but in the meantime, thank Guernsey for all its support.'