Fairfax & Roberts

Fairfax & Roberts is recognized as Australia's oldest jewellery retailer, which 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 around the corner from Martin Place

Fairfax & Roberts manufacture's the majority of its jewellery from an in-store workshop. The majority of items for sale are considered to be high end and often bespoke. Fairfax & Roberts also acts as a retailer for specific overseas jewellery brands.

History

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

When Fairfax & Roberts first opened its doors on Sydney’s George St in 1858, a journey of luxury bespoke jewellery began. Originally a firm that focussed on watchmaking, Fairfax & Roberts soon began to make a name for themselves as creators of fine jewellery – objects that were exquisitely designed and crafted and destined to become treasured possessions and heirlooms. Their maker’s mark was registered at the Assay office in London and the hand-crafted pieces still carry that stamp today.

Design and Manufacturing

Fairfax & Roberts hosts an in-store workshop that manufactures the majority of the jewellery that the business displays.

Jewellery can be designed to customer specifications, which are then used as an outline for the jewelers, who typically hand make the pieces.

Iconic Marketing Campaigns

Modern Fairfax & Roberts has a reputation for outlandish marketing campaigns that have commonly caused mixed responses from the public and the press.

Paul Picot

In … one of Fairfax & Roberts was reprimanded by the press after publishing advertisements for one of its suppliers Paul Picot. The magazine ad, which featured a woman discreetly touching herself alongside a male companion (who was wearing a Paul Picot wrist watch) was deemed to be overly suggestive for the public eye.

Masquerade Ball

In 2004 Fairfax & Roberts is reported to have thrown a private cocktail party for its VIP clientele. Videos of the event show a masquerade style function with [...] female models displaying the jewellery.