When a business has been in existence for over a hundred years, you know that it is hugely successful. It has stood the test of time; it has continued to flourish and has moved seamlessly from the 19th to the 21st Century.
That is the case with Davidsons the Jewellers. They’ve been based in Newcastle for 120 years.
Actually, they’ve been based on Grey Street in Newcastle for all of those years. The company was set-up by Robert Davidson in 1898 and is still very much a family affair with Tony and Helen Davidson moving the company forward over the past twenty years.
“We are proud to be an independent, family jewellers; still creating hand crafted jewellery using traditional methods whilst sourcing unique creations from all over the world,” said Tony. “Even though we have become a mainstay of life on Grey Street in Newcastle, we are still an independent jewellers. We pride ourselves on being bespoke and offering a truly personal service. We have customers who have been shopping here longer than Helen and I have been in charge because they appreciate quality craftsmanship and frequently want something different.”
In 1939, Robert Davidson, who founded the company in a small workshop at 66 Grey Street, handed over the reins to his nephew Stanley. The business was mainly repairing jewellery and silverware for customers across the North East as well as undertaking work for other local jewellers. The company continued to blossom so Stanley, who by now was joined by his son Allan Davidson, moved the workshop to a larger premises at 94 Grey Street in 1947.
The reputation of Davidsons was spreading. Allan made the decision to expand the business from being a jewellery workshop to also be a jewellery retailer. He expanded into the shop next door and created Davidsons as you see it today.
Although the retail arm of the business is the most obvious example of what Davidsons the Jewellers now does, sourcing and selling the finest diamond and gemstone jewellery
much of which is unique to Davidsons
there is still a very active in-house workshop upstairs. Fronting the workshop is John Douglas who began his working career as an apprentice for Tony and Helen’s grandfather in 1967. His creations are iconic and made using techniques that have been refined since his first day. “I still get enormous pleasure from making jewellery,” said John. “I enjoy it now as much as I did 51 years ago.” Davidsons has clients from Australia and Canada who will only buy one of John’s creations.
Tony and Helen took over the business in the late 90s. They have remained loyal to the timeless jewellery Davidsons have built their name on, whilst ensuring they stay current with the latest trends. A carefully curated blend of contemporary and sculptural pieces from design houses such as Lapponia in Helsinki and Baccarat in Paris, makes Davidsons stand out on the high street; offering the North East something different.
“Davidsons offer the North East the opportunity to see and buy beautiful and unusual jewellery,” said Helen Davidson. “We insist on stocking high quality products. Our team endeavour to give the best service possible so clients can choose jewellery they can enjoy for many years to come.”
Davidsons the Jewellers has the sort of reputation that other firms can only dream about. With 120 years of family experience behind them, Tony, Helen and their team continue to lead the company forward. If you are looking for contemporary creations or a truly bespoke item manufactured to the highest standards, call in and you’ll find out what personal service and attention to detail is all about.
