Over A Century of Family Success 

Newcastle’s leading independent jewellers, Whitakers is one of the longest standing jewellery stores in the Hunter. For over 110 years, the Whitakers legacy remains strong and continues to thrive as a niche market, specialising in bridal, custom design and fine jewellery.

John Whitaker, fourth generation jeweller, is dedicated to providing a personalised service for his customers, showcasing exquisite quality and craftsmanship. His enthusiasm for people and passion for the retail experience has become a standout in the family business. Today John’s vision, purpose and passion are what you could describe in diamond terms as flawless. “I fell in love with jewellery, and being a part of my clients special occasions and moments”, Whitaker said. “The excitement I get from my clients is infectious”. For John, the jewellery trade is a combination of the love stories people share, the relationships he forms and the beautiful pieces he creates.

Founded in 1903, John’s great grandfather, Reginald Wilfred Whitaker, established the family business in Muswellbrook and Maitland with his three sons. After many years and expansions to new locations, the business was passed onto John Whitaker Snr who later, in 1965, opened the family jewellers at the new Kotara Fair. “My father knew how to market jewellery, he was the only jeweller in town at that time”. Training as a salesperson in 1987, Whitaker soon realised his passion for the jewellery industry. With a strong focus on maintaining the Whitakers legacy, John was encouraged by his father to enhance his skills to ensure he had the latest and most highly regarded jewellery industry training worldwide. Completing his studies at the Gemological Institute of America in California - the number one diamond grading school in the world - John was soon qualified as an expert in his field.

After his father’s retirement in 2006, John and his wife Leonie opened their Darby Street store in Newcastle. To this day, John has designed rings for over 1000 couples, providing them with the ultimate Whitaker experience, where consumer education is still a hallmark. Whilst technology and online automaticity has challenged the solid Whitakers legacy, it has created an avenue for Whitakers to reframe the niche brand through embracing the new online market. We have re-positioned Whitakers, qualifying them as specialists, not only through John’s education, but his craftsmanship, skill and of course experience. With a fresh and contemporary approach, we embraced and engaged the new market with an online and social strategy and fast became the diamond standard of Newcastle.

Some say a diamond is forever, well it’s clear at Whitakers, it truly is.