Whitakers Jewellers, Newcastle, NSW

Learning a craft is so much more than taking classes at university, or reading books, or even gaining practical industry experience. Just ask John Whitaker. A fourth generation jeweller, John has always been familiar with the trade. John says his technical training at the Gemological Institute of America was essential in his development, but he learnt many important lessons by osmosis, sitting around the dinner table hearing stories from his father and grandfather. The Whitaker family has been trading in the Hunter Valley for more than 100 years. John Whitaker's great grandfather started the business with his 3 sons in Muswellbrook and Maitland in 1903. They then bought a store in Hunter Street where they retailed for 40 years, before John's father bought a store at Kotara Fair (now known as Westfield Kotara ) where he traded for 42 years. Until that point, Whitakers had been a traditional country jeweller, but Newcastle was fast becoming a more sophisticated retail marketplace. The decision was made in 2005 to become more specialised and niche, and to move the store moved to its current location on Darby Street. For John, the jewellery trade is as much about the beautiful stories people share with him as it is about the beautiful pieces he creates with them. From the genuine and warm way John speaks about his customers, it's easy to see he feels they are as unique and special to him as every individual diamond he works with. Whitakers Jewellers is built on a foundation of honesty and transparency. John's business philosophy is a legacy passed down from his father and grandfather: is it the truth and is it fair to all concerned? This core value underpins every Whitakers experience. John will use his expertise to help you make an intelligent decision that is right for you, weighing up your needs, your values and your story.

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