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Manufacturer Spotlight: Carrs Silver

Sep 25th 2021

Carrs SilverFor more than 40 years, Carrs Silver of Sheffield, England, has been producing refined cutlery and silver accessories. It is currently managed by the second generation of this family business; Andrew, Martin, and Richard Carr continue what Ron Carr established in 1977. A former production engineer, Ron Carr began Carrs of Sheffield Limited, which focused on creating brilliant keepsakes commemorating life's most precious moments. Today, Carrs Silver makes sterling silver, silverplated, and stainless steel cutlery along with a vast array of other items including clocks, cufflinks, bookmarks, flasks, money clips, dog collars, and even Christmas ornaments. Carrs Silver's photo frames bring a dignified elegance to the pictures within. The silver frames have been a major focus of the company since its early days.

British consumers were quick to demand availability of Carrs' products. The 1980s marked a period of growth. Participating in the Spring Fair International catapulted Carrs into the market outside of England. By 1981, the fair had been operating for five years promoting giftware from scores of businesses. Droves attended these fairs, and Carrs caught their attention. Carrs hired more employees and built additional facilities to meet the demand for its products at home and abroad.

Carrs Silver continued to see business grow throughout the following decade. The size of the company and its catalog increased. Consumers knew their pieces were being crafted by some of the most talented craftsmen in the business using state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the Export Achievement Award to Carrs for their professionalism in international trade practices. The turn of the century was an exciting time for Carrs Silver. Their products commemorated the new century with the millennium hallmark, and in 2002, limited edition sets of golden cutlery honored the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Carrs' catalog experienced unprecedented additions when Carrs obtained the Osborne Group and its centuries-old cutlery patterns. Carrs Silver's devotion to the craft continued to bring the business success.

For 2012, Carrs Silver had much to prepare: the London Olympic Games, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and a new management team, the second generation of Carrs. Carrs acclaimed silver products were being sold in fine department stores and boutiques in more than 50 countries. Besides the general public, restaurateurs and royalty were seeking products from Carrs to elevate their already cultivated style. In 2015, the Sultan of Oman hosted a garden party for Queen Elizabeth; Carrs' strawberry stands graced the event.

Carrs Silver honors the history of Sheffield, England, by continuing to produce some of the world's finest silver pieces. The metropolis of Sheffield is known for its steel and metallurgy industries and even its cutlery production, which has been going on for at least 700 years. The future for Carrs Silver shines as brightly as its own polished silver!