_A Sparkling Success - Fairfax & Roberts

Fairfax & Roberts is Australia’s oldest jewellery house. How did it all begin? 

Richard Lamb emigrated to Sydney in 1836. Joined by Alfred Fairfax from the Fairfax Media publishing family, they created Sydney’s first showroom for fine silver and watchmaking at 394 George Street. 

Your history has run pretty much in tandem with the creation of modern Australia. Have the country’s milestones been reflected in your jewellery? 

Lamb and Fairfax made their mark by producing pieces that reflected Australia’s identity. Brooches were featuring flora and fauna, and men’s jewellery included ornate breast pins, gold watch chains and studs signifying status and style. In 1850 there was the gold rush in NSW which brought a growing population and prosperity. Fairfax & Roberts opened its doors in 1858 and started creating luxury bespoke jewellery. One of Fairfax & Roberts most significant achievements was designing and producing the clock at Sydney’s Central station. Australia becoming a nation in 1901, brought about a newfound patriotism which inspired jewellery featuring Kangaroos and crocodiles.

After World War 1, the fizz of the Jazz age began. These were the years that Art Deco was born. Jewellery was more streamlined with geometric shapes. As popularity grew, the Art Deco style underlined the Fairfax & Roberts aesthetic and style and has done so to this day. For over 160+ years Fairfax & Roberts have been crafting treasures for royalty, governors and many of Australia’s wealthiest families.

Tastes and fashion are always fluid, but are there any trends  you are seeing now? And are there some things that never go out of fashion?

Definitely coloured gemstones – especially in engagement rings brought about by recent high profile celebrity and royal weddings. One thing that never goes  out of fashion is the desire for bespoke,  handmade pieces specifically crafted with that one person in mind that can be passed down through the generations.  

Image: Coloured stones are becoming more popular for engagement rings

Australia has always been a cultural melting pot, but with the huge rise in wealth across the Asia-Pacific region it is more international than ever. How has that affected the types and style  of jewellery that you create?

I have to say that this hasn’t affected us. As a bespoke jeweller every single piece we make is unique and the design is influenced by the individual.

A lot is also made of the changing attitudes of younger generations, in particular the so-called Millennials. Is this something you’ve experienced at Fairfax & Roberts, and, if so, how has that been reflected in your jewellery? 

Sustainability is becoming a big issue now and it is very important to us – Fairfax & Roberts strict standards mean that they always select the finest, ethically sourced stones. Using suppliers that rigorously enforces the same exacting standards, the goal is to help improve the diamond industry supply chain. Fairfax & Roberts are members of the Diamond Development Initiative, an international Group supporting diamond operations around the world.

The desire for sustainability is also reflected in the growing popularity of our remodelling service, where young clients bring in an heirloom or inherited piece that we can reimagine and redesign to create a piece of jewellery that will create another chapter in their family’s history.

Reflecting changing social attitudes, we also celebrated the legalisation of same sex marriage by launching our very own Equality range of men’s and women’s engagement and wedding rings.

Of all the pieces created by Fairfax & Roberts over the  years, which is the one you most admire?

For me it would have to be The Starlet pendant – an intense pink 20 carat rubellite cabochon bezel set and surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds and hand cut onyx elements with fine rose gold detail. The pendant is completed with an articulate pavé set diamond clip enhancer bail and can be attached to a multitude of necklaces/chains.

Image: The Starlet pendant

It reflects the craftsmanship, unique design, and Art Deco aesthetic and has that magical wow factor that is often found in so many Fairfax & Roberts pieces.