Rutherford Jewellery

A little bit of luxury goes a long way! In a week full of hectic activity, it was magical to try on some incredible jewellery with good company, fine bubbles and delicious canapés. Rutherford Jewellery, a third-generation family business, has an absolutely stunning array of pieces. Their collection features diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and much more. They have now had their new store in Melbourne’s iconic Block Arcade for just over a year – a perfect excuse to stop and celebrate their journey so far!

Rutherford Jewellery – A Victorian Success Story

Hearing about the history of this Melbourne institution from James, the grandson of the founder, certainly added to the flavour of the experience. Rutherford Jewellery is a home-grown Australian success story. The founder, Bruce Rutherford, spent his childhood in Kyabram (in the Goulburn River Valley, about 200 kilometres north of Melbourne) in the 1930s and 40s. At the age of 14 he started training to be a watchmaker and developed a passion for the intricacies of fine jewellery creation. He opened his first jewellery business in Yarrawonga in the 1950s. In the 1960s he defied the odds and gained a position in Sotheby’s in Bond Street, London… literally turning up on their doorstep and insisting that he could excel in absolutely any position they could offer him! When back in his homeland once again, he opened his own stores, initially in Bourke Street and then in Collins Street. This truly became a family business, with many of his descendants actively involved in the running of their stores today.

Pearls and So Much More!

When you hear the word ‘Rutherford’ you might think ‘pearls’. Indeed, it was pretty amazing to try on a strand of $35k Tahitian beauties! But they are also renowned for their art deco, Victorian and contemporary pieces. My friend Souri was particularly delighted to try on the current signature piece of Rutherford Jewellery, a rare Edwardian diamond and pearl collar with a 15k yellow gold double bow, completely loaded with pearls and diamonds!