Whitneys Jewellers marks 100 glittering years

A CENTURY ago next week, the doors to one of Dubbo’s most established businesses were opened for the very first time by Herbert Samuel Whitney.

Herbert had learned the jewellery trade at Fischer’s (where Church Street Café is located today), the only other jeweller in Dubbo in 1919.

It wasn’t long before Whitney’s Jewellers was known for its quality jewellery, diamond engagement and wedding rings, and crystal and silverware.

All the jewellery was hand crafted on the premises including every aspect of diamond rings, from the claws, the setting and the band.

Handcrafting jewellery in-store has been faithfully maintained by all four generations of the Whitney family ever since.

“Hand-made jewellery is a very important aspect of our business,” retired third-generation jeweller Peter Carolan said.

“Innovations in jewellery-making technology however have taken us to even better efficiencies of custom design and quality manufacturing.”

Peter joined Whitneys Jewellers in 1955, accepting an offer to work there from his uncle, Bob Whitney.

“The year I started was a difficult one for Whitneys, with the big flood hitting Dubbo on February 25. We had three family houses to clean up as well as the shop,” Peter said.

Mr Carolan was apprenticed to his grandfather, Herbert, and his Uncle Bob who by 1955 had already worked at Whitneys for 25 years.

“Grandfather specialised in hand graving. He would spend hours engraving signatures and so on, with a little pick tool. After 64 years, I’ve retired, but I still help out at the engraving bench,” Peter fondly said.

As consistent as its quality pieces, Whitney’s Jewellers’ location at 149 Talbragar Street has remained unchanged since 1919.

Peter’s daughter, and fourth generation owner, Gina Brown, is taking the business to new heights backed by a wealth of experience and knowledge only 100 years in business can guarantee.

“We are excited to celebrate 100 years and thank all our new and valued customers for their continued support during this time,” Gina said.

“It is thanks to our customers that we have been able to reach this amazing milestone and to thank them, we are having a 100 Anniversary Celebration Sale which is on now until Saturday, February 23,” Gina said. Whitneys Jewellers in 1955 And in 2019: Left to right, fourth generation owner Gina Brown, master jeweller Peter Letzbor, and jeweller Warren Brown. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.