William Asprey was the founder of what is now Asprey & Garrard, a firm of prestigious jewellers charged with the upkeep of the Crown Jewels.
Asprey was founded in 1781 in Mitcham, South London. It was here that William Asprey established a silk printing business. William’s son Charles and his grandson, also Charles, expanded the business into the metallic arts. In 1841 the elder Charles went into partnership with a London stationer located on Bond Street. In 1847 the Asprey family broke with their partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today.