Renowned for their superior craftsmanship and fusion of traditional and contemporary design, Bartlett Master Jewellers has garnered a reputation for crafting enduring, high- quality pieces that stand the test of time. With a legacy spanning three generations, the business is now preparing to commemorate 50 years since opening its doors.
At the age of 21, Kim Bartlett and his new wife Judi were on a driving honeymoon from Melbourne to Cairns when they decided to stopover in Townsville and visit the prominent jewellery store Horn & Petersen in Flinders Mall.
It was here that Kim, who was fresh from completing a six-year apprenticeship under the mentorship of Italian Master Jeweller Enzo Stella at Max Hurwitz Pty Ltd, one of Melbourne’s foremost jewellery manufacturers, was offered a life-changing opportunity.
“They were looking for someone in the area who was skilled in jewellery manufacturing,” says Kim, whose apprenticeship consisted of one year of diamond setting, four years of jewellery manufacturing, and one year of designing.
“At the time, they were still sending pieces to Sydney and Melbourne for design and repairs. We really enjoyed the slower pace in Townsville and decided this is where we wanted to stay, so I started there the very next day.”
Kim went on to become Townsville’s first registered and qualified Jewellery Valuer. In 1974, two years into his employment, Kim branched out and purchased the company’s manufacturing workshop on the third floor of the Prudential Building above Shaw’s Arcade in Flinders Mall.
Following its success, Kim became a partner in Horn & Petersen in 1978, where he helped start Townsville’s first diamond centre, Diamond Design, before establishing Kim Bartlett Master Jewellers, which catered to everything from design to manufacturing and retail.
“To have an intimate workshop that allowed us to do bespoke pieces and where I could expand my
skills and provide excellent pieces to clients was an incredible opportunity and something that I’ve carried with me throughout my career,” says Kim.
“I was very lucky to be taught by Enzo Stella and other international jewellers during my apprenticeship. There were lots of people to guide us and teach different techniques that wouldn’t happen today.”
The business eventually moved to Sunvale Shopping Centre in Aitkenvale, and it was during this time that Kim’s son Jay followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the business in 1993. Together, they navigated further expansions and relocations, which eventually culminated in their current home on Denham Street in 2012.
In the year that followed, the business was achieving record trade, buoyed by its new location and an expansion into e-commerce, where it sold Townsville’s first selection of jewellery from Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen and Australian South Sea Pearls from Kailis Jewellery.
“Our business has survived the ups and downs of the economy by staying true to the principals
of exceptional customer service and delivering an impeccable product,” says Jay, who gained further experience in Brisbane and Europe after his apprenticeship before returning to Townsville to earn several internationally recognised qualifications.
“While custom-designed and manufactured jewellery remains our core business, we’ve seen tremendous value in partnering with premium international brands and expanding our online offerings.”
The last few years have brought about a remarkable shift, including rebranding to Bartlett Master Jewellers in 2020 and welcoming Jay’s son Harper into the business as a school-based apprentice last year.
Kim says having three generations all working under the one roof has enabled them to integrate older methods with newer processes, which have added a whole new dimension to their jewellery design and manufacturing.
“I am, and probably always will be, the traditional sort of guy,” says Kim. “These days, a lot has changed in the industry compared to when I first started. But Jay has enhanced the business with his skills and management and helped build relationships and trust with customers.”
“He does computer-aided designs, uses laser technology, and setting scopes to set small stones, and has been the driving force in expanding the business with different products and services while also increasing the market nationally and internationally.
“I can see Harper following in both our areas of skills and working towards a continuation of mine and his father’s achievements and ideals. This will continue the family name and reputation and allow Harper to explore his own opportunities and ideas.
To commemorate 50 years in business, Bartlett Master Jewellers will be putting on an exhibition later this year where some of their best pieces from the last five decades will be on display, including custom made pieces inspired by each family member.
“At the heart of the business is a passionate family devoted to creativity, craftsmanship – and each other,” says Jay.
“Today, the company is still driven by family and by our family values. In fact, it is hard to separate our personal values from our business and brand values. These values have driven our success and the longevity of the business for the last 50 years.
“Our customers, suppliers, and communities are all part of our extended family and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of our best artistry with this upcoming exhibition.”
While Kim acknowledges that the industry has changed, particularly with the rise of lab-grown diamonds in recent years, he believes nothing will ever truly replace the beauty of a natural stone.
“Most people will continue to desire something unique, and most understand that a natural is going to appreciate in value,” he adds.
“People love timeless and high-quality jewellery. They are investment pieces. And I don’t think that will ever change, so there will always be a place for us.
“Harper is also in a unique position to be able to learn the traditional methods as well as the modern techniques like laser technology and design programmes so customers can see what pieces will look like in computer-aided 3D designs.
“It is these generational skillsets that can never be replaced and are quite unique now in today’s industry.”
Main image: (L-R) Jay, Kylie, Kim, Harper, Judi and Lily Bartlett
Image credits: Insights creative
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