About Us

Since 1896, Thomas Jewellers has been offering exceptional quality diamond jewellery at the most competitive prices and with unmatched customer service. In Australia, we are synonymous with value-for-money diamond jewellery and a fulfilling shopping experience that´s driven by our century-long expertise in diamond jewellery retailing. Be it engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, necklaces or other types of jewellery, Thomas Jewellers has the widest range and the most elegantly designed pieces, all created with a passion to meet the high expectations of our customers.

Thomas Jewellers so far

Celebrating 114 years 1896 - 2010

THE FOUNDER

One hundred and fourteen years ago Mr. James Thomas, the founder of the Thomas retail business, commenced trading at 15 Sturt Street, Ballarat. In those days, as well as selling to the public, the stores supplied merchandise to small shops and Indian hawkers. Some of the merchandise sold in 1896 such as jewellery, watches, clocks, glassware and crystal are still an important part of Thomas Jewellers product range.

Before his move to Ballarat in 1896, Mr. Thomas was a keen gymnast, sportsman and member of the Carlton Football Club for many years. Although he continued his sporting interest, business took up most of his time. He had an original staff of three. Old handwritten ledgers reveal that on one occasion when he gave a pay increase to a member of his staff his own pay was reduced by the same amount. The business prospered, but in the prime of his life he was struck by serious illness and his health slowly deteriorated over several years. He was in constant pain and in his last few years had to be taken to work in a cab and carried into the office. However he maintained a lively interest in the business until his death.

SECOND GENERATION

In 1922 James Alfred Thomas joined the family business and immediately set about designing a new shop front and new window displays. These were to prove so effective that no further major facelift was required until the business expanded to the adjacent premises in 1954. A community-minded person, Mr. Thomas served on the Board of Management of the Queen Elizabeth Centre for more than 25 years as Board member, president and treasurer. He was also an elder at St Andrews kirk for many years. He served as President for the Ballarat Fly Fishers Club, the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society and the Ballarat Branch of the Victorian Field and Game Association. He was a long serving member of the Rotary Club of Ballarat and a foundation member of the Ballarat Wine and Food Society. He made many overseas business trips initially by sea but later by air and was delighted to be able to fly to England and return in just one week.During these trips he established important business links with most of the best known potteries in England, some of which still supply Thomas Jewellers today. Mr. Thomas served the family business for more than fifty-five years.

THIRD GENERATION

Jim Thomas joined the family company in 1962, having been educated at Geelong College and Melbourne University. After completing a Commerce Degree, Mr. Thomas further prepared himself for the business by extensive study overseas with diamond experts and with such world renowned companies as Omega, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Bohemia Crystal. A keen sportsman, he won the Victorian Junior Sculling Championship and partnered Jeff Sykes to win the National Double Sculls title in 1965. In more recent years he has enjoyed considerable success in Masters Rowing winning several Australian titles in single sculls, double and quad sculls and teaming with Jeff Sykes to win the World Masters Double Sculls “G” division in 2009. He was very much involved in local affairs as a president of the Ballarat Chamber of Commerce and Rostrum.However he found time to continue specialised study and completed his Diploma in Gemmology and Diploma of Diamond Technology. He is also a qualified jewellery valuer. His first major project was a comprehensive renovation and reorganisation of the Ballarat store. This completed he looked to expand and in 1978 purchased the National Mutual Building in Geelong. This was followed by stores in Bendigo, Shepparton and Albury. In 1987 came the realisation of a long held ambition when Thomas Jewelllers opened in Melbourne at the Royal Arcade in the Bourke Street Mall. At this time the family moved to Melbourne to achieve greater control over the rapidly expanding new business.

In 2004 Thomas Jewellers opened impressive new stores in Wagga Wagga and Warrnambool and in 2006 opened a beautiful store in the Langtree Avenue Mall in Mildura. Mr. Thomas travels overseas at least twice a year seeking the best in quality and value. His special expertise is precious gems and in particular fine diamonds which enables him to guarantee quality and value in an area where customers are dependent on the integrity of the jeweller. While Mr. Thomas controls the nine shops from his Melbourne office he makes regular visits to all branches to keep in touch with his staff and local demands. An extremely busy and active man he still works six days a week.

FOURTH GENERATION

Jamie, Jeremy and Sam have all completed University degrees and are qualified gemmologist and diamond technologists as well as registered jewellery valuers and so continue the family tradition of expertise in fine diamonds and precious gems. All have had extensive overseas training in the jewellery trade and are playing an increasing role in the management and future development of Thomas Jewellers.

A TEAM EFFORT

From senior buyers Brendan Power and Rod Gilbert, to store managers, sales people, craftsmen and office staff, all contribute to the total team effort, essential to the smooth running of any business. The strength of an organization is the sum of the strengths of the individuals and with this in mind every effort is made to recruit qualified and talented people and meld them into a working unit. A measure of staff loyalty and dedication is the fact that 35 have been employed for more than 10 tears and 40 are in the five to ten year bracket, while 4 members completed over 40 years.

WHEN AND WHERE

Year
  Place
 1896  Ballarat
 1978  Geelong
 1980  Bendigo
 1981  Shepparton
 1983  Albury
 1987  Melbourne
 2004  Wagga Wagga
 2004  Warnnambool
 2006  Mildura

LONG SERVICE

Known and respected in Ballarat and district, George Welfare holds the record of the longest service by a non-family member. He served a total of 46 years most of it as Manager of the Ballarat shop.

ROYAL CUFF LINKS

In 1974 Prince Charles visited Ballarat and only the week before his visit the City Council commissioned Thomas Jewellers to hand make 18 carat solid gold cuff links with the city´s coat of arms hand engraved on each. Thomas Jewellers made this job top priority and the completed cuff links were magnificent.

I´LL CALL BACK LATER

In 1939 a soldier brought his watch in for repair, and as happened in those times he was suddenly called to active service overseas. One of the fortunate ones, he returned in 1945, and called in to collect his repaired watch. It was produced immediately! It pays to have an efficient service department.

THRICE BLESSED

Our workshops so far have produced pectoral crosses for 3 bishops. These are very demanding jobs and our head jeweller advised they had been well and truly blessed before leaving our workshops!

SEIZED UP

Several years ago the workings of a tower clock were brought to the workshop totally seized up with what looked like fine cement. It hadn´t functioned since 1910. After hours of carefully chipping away, the apprentice asked why anyone would put cement into the workings. Actually it was 8 decades of pigeon droppings! The clock now runs perfectly and is complete with protective cover.

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

In the early days of the business it was normal to remain open until 11.00pm each Saturday and midnight Christmas Eve. No penalty rates then! The working week was 48hrs, no sick leave and only one week holiday.

HELLO STRANGER

A couple came in to buy a diamond engagement ring. She began to introduce her future fiancé to the salesperson and was embarrassed because she had forgotten his name!

EXCHANGE

When finance director Les Drury commenced in 1956 the exchange rate with Japan was 415 yen to the then equivalent of $1 Australian. The rate is now around 80 yen to $1 Australian.