Fairfax & Roberts
wikipedia
Fairfax & Roberts (est. in 1858) is recognised as Australia's oldest Jewellery retailer. It was established in 1858 by Richard Lamb and Alfred Fairfax. Fairfax & Roberts is based in Sydney's central business district at 19 Castlereagh street Sydney. Fairfax & Roberts manufacture's the majority of its jewelry from an in-store workshop. Fairfax & Roberts is a high end jeweller (or bespoke) and specialist retailer for specific overseas jewelry brands.
History
Richard Lamb, who had emigrated from London to Sydney in 1836 and established himself as a jeweller and optician was joined by Alfred Fairfax 1842 – of the Fairfax publishing family – to create Sydney’s first emporium for fine silver and watchmaking at 394 George St.
The discovery of gold in the 1850s brought a gold rush to NSW and Victoria, and with it Australia’s prosperity and population grew. Along with a new wave of immigration came new styles of jewellery. And it was in this environment – rich with confidence, that Lamb & Fairfax was truly established in 1858, the bedrock of the brand that still exists today.
Following the death of Richard Lamb in 1876, Alfred Fairfax’s nephew, Barton, had joined him in the business. The Fairfax duo then partnered with a new investor, Oscar G. Roberts, and in 1886, the name of the business was changed to Fairfax & Roberts. With a new workshop on Hunter St and an outlet in London, the Fairfax & Roberts brand took its place as Australia’s premiere jeweller.
1836 – Richard Lamb Immigrates to Australia and sets up a business manufacturing watches and optical equipment at 394 George Street
1842 – Lamb is joined by Alfred Fairfax, of the media dynasty, and the pair set up the first emporium for importing fine silver to Australia
1858 – Lamb & Fairfax is officially founded
1873 – The men are commissioned to make the timepiece for Sydney’s original central station clock tower
1876 – Richard Lamb is killed in a sailing accident and Oscar G. Roberts invests into Alfred Fairfax’s business, now at 23 Hunter Street
1886 – The businesses name is officially changed to Fairfax & Roberts
1915 – Fairfax & Roberts receives praise for the quality of their watches, which served a number of Australian servicemen throughout WW1
1925 – The Art Deco artistic period is born, and Fairfax & Roberts’ style takes shape
1991 – The business moves to 19 Castlereagh St, where it remains today
Design and Manufacturing
Fairfax & Roberts hosts an in-store workshop that manufactures the majority of the jewellery that the business displays.