Our history

Our heritage dates back to 1770, when Thomas Miller founded one of London’s early pawnbroking businesses. From the outset, the firm specialised in lending against jewellery, watches and precious objects, establishing a reputation for expertise, discretion and trust. Over time, the business developed a strong reputation for valuing fine jewellery and luxury items, serving both private individuals and traders across London.

Robertsons was founded in London as a family pawnbroking business and would go on to become one of the UK’s most respected pawnbroking and luxury asset valuation firms. For over two centuries, the firm provided loans secured against jewellery and watches while also retailing fine jewellery, silver and pre-owned timepieces.

By the 1930s, the business had become one of London’s most prestigious pawnbroking establishments, attracting wealthy clients from across Europe. Offices operated in Paris, Cannes and Berlin, giving the firm an international reputation for luxury asset lending and earning it the nickname “the Harrods of pawnbroking.”

A purpose built pawnbroking and retail showroom opened on Victoria Street in London, featuring private valuation offices and an elegant retail space designed to provide a discreet experience comparable to a private bank and high end luxury boutique. It was later recognised as a rare example of inter war commercial architecture.

Centuries of pawnbroking heritage were brought together when the historic London firms TM Suttons, Robertsons and Hopkins & Jones united under one company to form Suttons & Robertsons. Combining generations of expertise in jewellery, watches and luxury assets, the business became a specialist in luxury asset backed lending, valuation and resale.

Today, Suttons & Robertsons combines over two and a half centuries of pawnbroking heritage with a modern, technology-first and relationship-led approach. Backed by a US private equity firm, the business provides discreet valuations, secure loans and trusted resale services to private clients, collectors and businesses across the UK and, in some cases, Europe, both in person and online.