W. Davis & Son, is the seventh oldest remaining jewellery business in Australia, and was founded by William Davis.

William Davis was a founding member of the Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria formed in 1889; his mark, a “Leopard’s Head”, was used in conjunction with the Association’s guarantee stamps. The Association’s objectives were listed as “To maintain the standards of quality of the goods made by its members.” and “To assist the Government as far as possible in enforcing the provisions of the “Trade Mark Act.” Protecting the Retailer and the Public against fraud in the manufacture of Jewellery.”

After initially trading from 119 Chapel Street, Windsor in 1880, the business transferred its operations to 137 Chapel Street in 1882, and in 1892, to 114 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. He was then trading as a jeweller, diamond setter and gold chain maker. By 1916, the firm had moved to 340 Little Collins Street.

The Business was incorporated as W. Davis and Son Pty Ltd in 1923 and at that time advertised as: “The Ring Makers”. From 1938, this long established company continued to trade as manufacturing jewellers. It became W. Davis & Son (Jewellers) Pty Ltd in 1948, and in the 1950s moved to 94 Elizabeth Street. In 1987 the business moved to its present location at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, the Heritage listed Manchester Unity Building. Built in 1932 on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets, it is world renowned as a Melbourne icon building and art deco landmark.

We look forward to continuing this long tradition of service and assisting you long into the future. 

Peter W. Davis,

Owner and Operator of W. Davis & Son