History and Heritage
Philippe Harold is an Antwerp diamond jewellery store with a rich and proud heritage that dates back to 1937, when it was founded by Philippe Jacubowitz. It is thus one of Antwerp’s oldest family jewellery businesses.
the founding father
Philippe Jacubowitz founded our company in 1937, bringing with him a keen eye for beauty and a remarkable skill in both drawing and goldsmithing. Known for his high degree of finesse and precision, Philippe personally crafted many pieces of diamond jewellery that continue to be cherished by their owners and admired by subsequent generations.
He built a reputation for Philippe Harold as one of the finest jewelers in the Antwerp diamond district. Our commitment to unmatched craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail has earned the trust and confidence of our suppliers and delighted customers worldwide, including the Royal Houses of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
From the very beginning, reliability, honesty, and a dedication to integrity have been at the core of our values. These principles have guided us through decades of change, helping us maintain our commitment to excellence since 1937.
Harold Jacubowitz
In 1971, Harold Jacubowitz, a graduate of Antwerp’s Academy of Fine Arts, joined the family business, injecting new life into the established legacy. Harold brought a unique approach to crafting jewellery, focusing on bespoke pieces rather than mass production. His philosophy was deeply rooted in artistic integrity: “When I’m crafting an individual piece, my guide isn't the commercial aspect of the art, nor how broadly appealing the piece might be. I aim to create one-off pieces that delight both myself and a few discerning customers.”
Harold was known for blending tradition with innovation. He carefully listened to customers' desires, offering alternatives when necessary to match their personalities and appearances, especially when designing earrings and engagement rings. For Harold, inspiration was a constant companion in life, drawn from personal experiences and his cultural and artistic background. He believed that not everyone might initially appreciate artistic values, but seeing them embodied in a piece of diamond jewellerycould leave a lasting impact.
He often spoke of trust as fundamental: "Trust is the one and only criteria—it works both ways. Customers trusted me for many decades, and I had to trust them when I opened the door to perfect strangers. This fundamental value unites us all, from the past into the future." Harold’s commitment to personal connection and trustworthiness not only enhanced customer relationships but also perpetuated the store's reputation for generations.
Philippe Harold Antwerp Diamond Jewellery store has been continuing to captivate with its heritage, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also embody the timeless values we cherish.
Recently, though, after 50 years in the business, Harold decided to pass the baton to the next generation.
The next chapter
The jewellery store that Philippe Jacubowitz founded all those years ago is now opening its next exciting chapter, thanks to the dedication, focus, and passion of the next generation, in the person of Marcel Chamilov.
“The Philippe Harold name has long been held in the highest regard both here in Antwerp and internationally”, says Marcel. “It built its reputation painstakingly on its passion for excellence. Indeed it’s something of an institution. But make no mistake: institutions thrive, not by resting on their laurels, but by continuing to strive for excellence and even by striking out in new directions. And that’s the spirit that animates us now.”
Marcel has not only the drive but the background and experience needed to undertake the overhaul the company’s already embarked on. He hails from a family that have themselves been in the luxury-jewellery business for over 30 years, moving recently into high-end fashion, including kids’ fashion and jewellery. And he himself has worked with the top brands in the diamond industry, supplying them with the finest (and rarest) diamonds.
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Marcel Chamilov
“The 10 years I spent grading diamonds for a company that supplied the world’s leading jewellery brands really helped me hone my skills as a gemmologist. And I can now use those same skills–selectiveness, discernment, and the ability to detect even the slightest flaw–at the helm of Philipp Harold.”
Edouard WYNS MELIKHAYEV
“For me, knowledge is key and by that I mean, not just my professional knowledge–what I’ve learned on my journey so far–but what I can share with our customers. The more they know, the more discerning they will be–and since Philippe Harold has always been about selectiveness, that can only help us. Each diamond has its secrets–the beauty that a less discerning eye may not see at first–and it’s my job, and my passion, to reveal those secrets to our customers.”
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Clients' Testimonials
THE PH DIFFERENCE
Antwerp's diamonds
The most brilliant diamonds from Antwerp meticulously selected by our own CEO, Marcel C.
A dream of every jewellery lover
our bespoke tradition
From design and precious gem sourcing to manufacturing. We got you in your most special jewel.