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Our story · Knightsbridge

Not The Basic Jewellers.

Because extraordinary should never be ordinary.

NTB Jewellers is an appointment-only jeweller in Knightsbridge, founded by João in June 2019. This is the story of how a question about price became a jewellery house built on quality, creativity and personal relationships, told in his own words.

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Gold NTB Jewellers sign on the showroom wall
Never basic, always exceptional
João, founder of NTB Jewellers, in the Knightsbridge showroom
João, founder
How it began

It started with a question about price.

My journey into jewellery began in a rather unconventional way. I had always been drawn to fine jewellery, craftsmanship and the individuality of custom-made pieces, but the turning point came when I commissioned jewellery for myself and began questioning the prices I was being charged.

I wanted to understand what went into creating these pieces, from the materials and manufacturing process to the craftsmanship behind the finished product. What started as curiosity quickly became an obsession. I invested in my own casting equipment, a small 3D wax printer and polishing tools, and began teaching myself how jewellery was made.

I still remember creating my first pendant. It wasn’t the most expensive or technically complex piece I’ve ever worked on, but seeing something go from an idea to a finished piece changed everything for me. It led to my first commissions, my own workshop and, in June 2019, to NTB Jewellers.

I’m largely self-taught. Rather than following the traditional route into the trade, I learned through research, experimentation, investing in equipment and, most importantly, hands-on experience. As the business grew, I began working alongside experienced professionals and specialist manufacturers.

“That practical foundation means I understand not just how jewellery should look, but how it should be made.”João, founder
The name

NTB stands for Not The Basic.

I created NTB because I wanted to challenge the traditional jewellery-buying experience. Too often, customers were paying premium prices without receiving a genuinely personal service, sufficient transparency or something that truly reflected their individuality. My vision was a jewellery house where exceptional quality, creativity and personal relationships came first.

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Refusing to settle for ordinary

The name represents everything I wanted the business to stand for.

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Pushing creative boundaries

Whether a client wants something understated and timeless or bold and unconventional, we’re prepared to explore their vision.

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Jewellery that feels distinctive

NTB isn’t simply about selling jewellery. It’s about creating something meaningful that people can wear with pride for a lifetime.

João, founder of NTB Jewellers, in the Knightsbridge showroom
By private appointment
Knightsbridge · By appointment

Never a rushed transaction.

Knightsbridge represents the level of quality, exclusivity and sophistication I want associated with NTB. It’s an internationally recognised destination for luxury, and establishing our office here was an important step in the evolution of the business.

What matters most, though, isn’t the location. It’s the experience clients receive when they visit. We work by appointment only because buying fine jewellery should be personal. Whether someone is commissioning their first bespoke pendant, choosing an engagement ring or sourcing a luxury watch, they deserve my full attention, in a relaxed setting where they can make confident decisions.

“For me, luxury is as much about the service as it is about the product.”

21 Knightsbridge, Second Floor, Office 16, London SW1X 7LY · Monday to Friday, 11am–6pm

How a bespoke commission works

Every piece begins with a conversation.

Some clients arrive with a clear design in mind. Others simply have an idea they want us to bring to life.

I

The conversation

I want to understand your vision, personal style, budget and the meaning behind the piece. Then we discuss the possibilities: precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, proportions and design details.

II

CAD design

Once we’ve set a direction, CAD technology lets us develop and refine the concept before manufacturing begins.

III

Approval & production

After you approve the design, the piece goes into production with our specialist manufacturing team or trusted production partners, with the focus on craftsmanship and precision.

IV

The presentation

The most rewarding moment is presenting the finished piece, particularly when it carries a personal meaning.

On diamonds

Judged by eye, not just on paper.

When I select a diamond, I look beyond its size or the information on a certificate. The four Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight) are extremely important, and the cut especially, because it shapes how beautifully the stone reflects light and how much brilliance and fire it shows. I also consider proportions, symmetry, polish and overall appearance, certification from respected laboratories such as GIA or IGI, and how the stone will complement the finished design.

“A diamond should impress you when you look at it, not just when you read its certificate.”
Natural

Rarity & tradition

Formed over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface, natural diamonds appeal to clients who value tradition and exclusivity.

Lab-grown

Beauty & specification

Exceptional beauty and quality, often allowing a larger stone or higher specification for the same budget.

Both are genuine diamonds, with essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and optical characteristics; they differ in origin, rarity and market value. We don’t push one over the other. We explain pricing, certification, long-term value and the character of each stone, so you can choose based on your own priorities.

Princess cut engagement ring set with natural diamonds
The right balance of beauty, quality & value
Watches & eyewear

A personal sourcing service

Whether someone is searching for a particular watch reference, a discontinued model or distinctive designer eyewear, we use our network of specialist suppliers and industry contacts to offer a personalised sourcing service rather than a conventional retail experience.

  • Watches: close attention to condition, provenance, authenticity and the details that influence market value
  • Eyewear: design, craftsmanship, individuality and pieces that complement your personal style
Watches & eyewear
The team behind NTB

Skilled hands, trusted partners

NTB was founded from my personal passion for jewellery, and it has grown through skilled professionals and trusted collaborators: a specialist manufacturing team, designers, diamond setters and experienced production partners who help turn clients’ ideas into finished pieces.

  • Direct oversight of production, alongside established international partners
  • I stay personally involved in creative direction, client relationships and the standards we expect from every piece
What we do differently

“We don’t believe luxury should feel intimidating, and we don’t believe exceptional jewellery should feel ordinary.”

The jewellery industry can become too focused on selling a product rather than understanding the person buying it. We combine the personal attention of a private jeweller with the creativity and manufacturing knowledge to produce truly individual pieces, without the jargon or the sales pressure.

Who NTB is for

For people who want something special.

NTB is for people who appreciate quality, individuality and a more personal approach to luxury. Some are celebrating milestones: an engagement, an anniversary, a birthday or a personal achievement. Others are passionate about fine jewellery, luxury watches and distinctive accessories, or have a creative vision they simply can’t find in a traditional jewellery store.

I don’t believe luxury should be defined by how much someone spends. It’s about the experience, the attention to detail and the feeling of owning something created or selected especially for you.

I make an effort to be approachable, transparent and personally involved, so clients feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their decisions. My aim is for people to return because they value the relationship.

“For me, long-term relationships are far more valuable than individual transactions.”
9ct white gold tennis bracelet by NTB Jewellers
Created or selected for you
Not The Basic Jewellers

Never basic, always exceptional.

Bespoke jewellery, certified diamonds, ready-to-wear pieces and sourced luxury: start with a WhatsApp message and book a private appointment in Knightsbridge.

Ask a question first

Mon–Fri 11am–6pm · 21 Knightsbridge, Second Floor, Office 16, SW1X 7LY · WhatsApp +44 7415 572902

Follow our latest pieces on Instagram and TikTok @ntbjewellers.