Robert Holt began Holts as a diamond polishing company in 1948 but, by the 1970s, Holt decided to try his hand at stone-cutting, also known as lapidary, which after 60 years continues to be a trade associated with the Holt name. While once a flourishing British craft, the art of lapidary is rarely used now, however Holts remains true to its roots and continues its lapidary work among other facets of their gemstone business. Owning one of the largest stocks in the UK of precious and semi-precious stones, Holts offers bespoke services allowing customers to be a part of the creation from cut to finished product. After going through a refurbishment in 2007, Holts reopened its doors as Holts Lapidary. Its one-of-a-kind shop aims to project the Holts business ethos; taking rough stones and turning them into beautiful pieces of finely crafted fine jewellery.