Fairfax & Roberts

Introduction

Fairfax & Roberts is recognised 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 jewelry from an in-store workshop.

Fairfax & Roberts portrays itself as a high end jeweller or bespoke. Fairfax & Roberts also acts as a retailer for specific overseas jewelry 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

Design and Manufacturing

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

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

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 nude female models displaying the jewelry.