Fairfax & Roberts
Fairfax & Roberts is one of Sydney’s oldest jewellery houses. Founded in 1858 by English jeweller Richard Lamb and Alfred Fairfax, a member of the renowned Fairfax newspaper family. The business began in 1836 when Lamb arrived in Australia and set up a shop as a jeweller and optician on George Street, Sydney. He soon partnered with Fairfax to import fine silver and established a jewellery business together.
In 1876, after Lamb’s tragic death in a sailing accident, Fairfax brought in investor Oscar G. Roberts, which led to the company adopting the name Fairfax & Roberts, a title it still holds today.
The brand quickly established itself as a symbol of luxury, creating treasured possessions and heirlooms for Princes, Governors and many of Australia’s leading families. Fairfax & Roberts is responsible for important commissions such as the sterling silver kangaroo presented to the Prince of Wales in 1920, the Central Station clock tower in Sydney, and the gold trowels used for the foundation stones of Canberra.
Fairfax & Roberts operates from its flagship Castlereagh Street boutique, remaining a symbol of timeless elegance and quality. With over 160 years of history, the brand is celebrated for preserving its heritage while crafting unique pieces that continue to captivate generations of clients.
Musson
For over half a century, Musson has been operating with a dedication to provenance, beauty, and craftsmanship. The story begins with Robert and Kerry Musson, who opened their first store in Crow’s Nest, Sydney. Starting in a small arcade, they relocated in 1974 to Willoughby Road, transforming a former butcher’s shop into a celebrated jewellery destination. In 1983, Musson expanded into Chatswood Chase, where their boutique remains one of the centre’s original tenants. Later, they launched a boutique in Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria Building.
Musson’s reputation for excellence quickly gained global recognition. They became Australia’s first distributor for Cartier and garnered numerous accolades. The longstanding relationship with the Argyle mine further elevated their status, making Musson one of just 30 Argyle Select Ateliers worldwide.
The legacy continues with sons Olivar and Damien, who joined the family business and earned prestigious awards, including the Diamond Guild Australia Design Awards. In 2018, Olivar’s design, ‘Aella’ received the Supreme Award for Design Excellence.
Today, Musson remains a family-led symbol of expertise and elegance in Australian jewellery.
Cerrone
Born in Lanciano, Italy, Nicola Cerrone immigrated to Australia at the age of 12, where his passion for jewellery was sparked during an apprenticeship with a master jeweller in Sydney. In 1972, he opened his first store in Leichhardt, Sydney, and gained recognition for his craftsmanship. His workshop grew from two to twenty employees, making it the largest handmade jewellery workshop in Australia at that time.
Cerrone’s reputation soared with memorable creations like the ‘Million Dollar Necklace’ in 1991, commissioned by the Argyle Diamond Mine, featuring 230 carats of diamonds. In 1998, he won the prestigious De Beers Diamonds International Award for the Elizabethan Ruff, a breathtaking piece set with 559 diamonds.
In 2008, Cerrone had the distinct honour of designing three sacred vessels for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, used during the closing mass on World Youth Day. The Chalice, Paten, and Ciborium were crafted to reflect native Australian flora, incorporating Australian cognac and pink diamonds into their design. This project marked a significant milestone in Cerrone’s career. The following year, he expanded his presence with a new retail store in Sydney’s Martin Place, and in 2011, he reopened his Castlereagh Street store, further establishing his brand.
These achievements highlight Nicola Cerrone’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, solidifying his legacy as one of Australia’s foremost jewellery designers.
By Lauren Boustridge / Senior Jewellery Specialist
Top Image: Pair of Musson Fancy Coloured Sapphire Earrings. Sold for $2,000
February 2025