About us

Welcome to Walter Bull & Son, we're an independent family jewellers based in the beautiful Cotswolds market town of Cirencester with a 200 year history.

1815-A storied history

Walter Bull, born in 1841, began his career working for a well-established pawnbroker and jeweller founded in 1815 in the City of London. Over time, he rose through the ranks and eventually purchased the business, renaming it Walter Bull & Son. By the time of his death in 1914, Walter had expanded the enterprise to five shops across London, all managed by his children. One of these, located on Theobald Road, was owned and operated by his son, Horace Bull.

1941-A family legacy

Horace Bull continued the family legacy, but sadly, the Theobald Road shop was destroyed during the Blitz in 1941. In the years that followed, the business was relocated to Horsham, where it carried on under the stewardship of Horace, his daughter Jean, and her husband, John Gegg, who had joined the family firm.

1965- A New Era

In 1965, John and Jean Gegg (née Bull) brought the business back to John's hometown of Cirencester, located in the heart of the Cotswolds. They quickly established the shop as a well-renowned, trusted, and successful jeweller. After Jean’s passing in 1978, John continued to run the business, later joined by their son, Robert.

1980- Continuing the tradition

In 1980, Robert Henry Gegg took over the business and ushered in a new era of leadership and a deep respect for tradition, evolving with the times yet staying true to its heritage and values.

2025- Fifth generation

Today, James Gegg, the great-great-grandson of Walter Bull, is the proud custodian of the family business. He took over in 2016 following his uncle’s retirement and has brought a fresh yet respectful approach to its long-standing heritage. With a keen eye for unusual gemstones and antique settings, James specialises in sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to be treasured for generations. He has also established an on-site workshop and continues to pioneer Walter Bull’s tradition of bespoke jewellery craftsmanship.