Our Story
1969
Robert completes his apprenticeship at Patek Philippe, in Geneva, Switzerland
Upon completing his apprenticeship, and keen to spread his artistic wings, Robert embarked on a six year expedition around the world. Immersing himself in cultures rich in history, landscape, music and colours, Robert discovered the importance of storytelling and honouring the beauty of nature through his craft.
1975
Robert opens his first boutique in The Strand Arcade in Sydney, Australia
Inspired by his lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt, Robert’s first collection of jewellery sought to capture the essence of a civilisation, whose grandeur and renowned iconography continued to shape artistic expression in the 20th century.
The Egyptian Collection quickly became one of Robert’s most acclaimed bodies of work, beloved for its artistic character, distinctive style, and unique sculptural form.
Evolving through many decades, the scarab remains one of the most desirable and collectable motifs at Robert Clerc Jewellery.
1979
Robert spends the year abroad, working on his next collection
Paris, ever the muse, set the stage for Robert’s next chapter. The Nineteen Hundred Collection was brought to life, ushering in a new era of intricate and expressive design at Robert Clerc Jewllery
Robert would go on to receive the De Beers Supreme Diamond Design Award (1981) for one of the pieces from this collection.
1981
De Beers Supreme Diamond Design Award (1981)
Robert, sporting his now-trademark mismatched shoes, found himself in the spotlight when he was presented the De Beers Supreme Diamond Design Award (1981) for the crowned piece of his Nineteen Hundred Collection.
The award-winning necklace centres around an intricately carved crystal quartz flower, framed in 18ct yellow gold, and accented with fine quality brilliant-cut diamonds. The piece is a tribute to natures eternal beauty, and exemplifies the sculptural yet delicate elegance and refined craftsmanship of the Nineteen Hundred Collection. The piece was sold to a private collector.
Robert Clerc and his mismatched shoes (to the left of the podium) receiving the De Beers Supreme Diamond Design Award (1981).
Robert's award winning piece - crystal quartz flower set in 18ct yellow gold, with brilliant-cut diamonds.
1982
Charles Davies Memorial trophy for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
In 1982, Robert was commissioned to design and construct the Charles Davies Memorial trophy for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The impressive sterling silver yacht stands one metre high.
1985
Robert opens his new boutique on the ground floor of The Strand Arcade in Sydney, Australia
Robert opened a new boutique and workshop on the ground floor of The Strand Arcade, where his workdays became devoted to designing for the growing engagement ring market. His ability to create individually designed and entirely handcrafted rings quickly earned him a following of loyal and discerning clientele.
A Robert Clerc engagement ring soon became a mark of distinction, sought after by those who valued originality and exceptional craftsmanship. In an otherwise generic market, Robert became renowned for his strong point of difference.
Robert continues to create powerful and distinctive engagement rings, each one bearing his unmistakeable signature.
1990
The Etruscan Collection
Born of Robert’s lifelong fascination with ancient civilisations and his profound connection to the natural world, the Etruscan Collection pays tribute to the distinguished artistry and craftsmanship of the Etruscan civilisation.
The collection showcases a series of sculptural, distinctive and tactile creations, unified by rich textures achieved through Robert’s use of the Etruscan’s traditional granulation technique.
1995
The Robert Clerc Watch
In pursuit of exploring new forms of jewellery making, Robert launched a limited edition series of watches in 18ct yellow gold. Each of the twelve timepieces was intricately handcrafted with sculptural intent, blurring the line between timepiece and high jewellery.
Some featured motifs from his famed Egyptian Collection, while others embraced a more contemporary style.
1997
Robert opens a boutique in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia
Ahead of the Sydney Olympic Games, Robert opened a second store in the beautifully restored, heritage-listed Queen Victoria Building. It was here, in the heart of Sydney, that he created his Australian Collection; a celebration of the iconic flora and fauna of the Australian landscape.
The collection showcased an array of exquisite Australian gemstones, comprising Argyle’s renowned coloured diamonds, fine-quality Australian sapphires, and the famed Australian opal.
Through his exceptional designs and unparalleled craftsmanship, Robert skilfully captures the essence of each one-of-a-kind stone, honouring its innate beauty in a way that is distinctively his own.
The collection later evolved into the Magic Stone Collection.
Various pieces from Robert's Australian Collection featuring Australian opals.
Award-winning Opal necklace from Robert's Australian collection.
2000
The Great Barrier Reef
Amid a period of rising concern for the Great Barrier Reef’s decline, Robert’s next collection emerged. Born of his enduring connection to the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef Collection stands as a tribute to Australia’s rich and vulnerable landscapes.
Drawing inspiration from the reef’s intricate and diverse ecosystems, Robert’s collection features a series of organic motifs that echo the rich textures of its coral formations and distinctive marine life.
The collection is accentuated by Robert’s incorporation of the coveted South Sea pearl, a poetic homage to the oceans quiet magnificence.
2006
Robert opens his new boutique in Woollahra, Sydney
Robert opened a new gallery in Woollahra, where he worked with bronze and resin to expand his sculptural repertoire, exploring form, texture and scale beyond the confines of wearable art.
2008
"Gung"
In 2008, Robert was commissioned to design and create a bespoke piece of jewellery for the Taronga Foundation. Crafted in 18ct white gold, and pavé diamond-set with fine-quality round brilliant-cut diamonds, the pendant-brooch depicts Taronga Zoo’s resident Asian Bull elephant, “Gung.” It was donated to their foundation for silent auction.
Today, you can find the twenty-four year old Asian Bull elephant at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, where he permanently resides.
2010
The Creature Collection
A bold - and beautiful - celebration of nature’s most captivating beings, the Creature Collection speaks to the quiet kinship we share with the animal kingdom. It is a collection that charms and inspires, offering a glimpse into the whimsy and enchantment of the natural world.
2015
Robert opens his new boutique in Paddington, Sydney
2020
The Golden Bee & Sunflower Collection
Robert’s latest homage to nature, the Golden Bee & Sunflower Collection, celebrates the intricate beauty, whimsy, and quiet splendour of the beloved and industrious bee. A timeless muse in art and storytelling, the bee is a symbol of devotion, prosperity, and the gentle balance of life. Brought to life in 18ct yellow gold, each carefully sculpted piece is intended to delight and enchant, an elegant tribute to the poetry of the natural world.
2023
Robert's return to The Strand Arcade in Sydney, Australia
After twenty years, Robert Clerc Jewellery returns to The Strand Arcade, marking a new era for the family-owned business.
Robert continues to work tirelessly to produce exceptional collections and bespoke pieces of integrity and importance. He remains incredibly proud of his impressive body of work, from his acclaimed Egyptian Collection, to the exquisite Golden Bee & Sunflower collection; the foundation of which has always been his love of storytelling.
Robert is thrilled that his daughter, Laetitia, will be joining the family business. Laetitia is excited to be involved in the continuation of the Robert Clerc Jewellery house.
2024
The launch of the Ladybird Collection
Inspired by the delicate beauty and vibrant spirit of the ladybird, the Ladybird Collection is Robert’s latest homage to the enchanting world of nature. Crafted with artistry and passion, the collection is a celebration of life’s small wonders and the joy that they inspire.
The launch of the Ladybird Collection is particularly significant as it marks the first collaboration between Robert and his daughter, Laetitia. With Robert’s innate understanding of sculptural form, and Laetitia’s whimsical yet elegantly nuanced creativity, the two have successfully captured the essence of the ladybird in a collection that is both playful and sophisticated.
These sculptural pieces of art bestow a touch of enchantment and positive energy upon their wearer, as their vibrant hues and intricate patterns are brought to life in one of our most whimsical collections to date.
2025
The Dragonfly: Celebrating 50 Years of Robert Clerc Jewellery
A celebration of fifty years of craftsmanship, creativity, and enduring devotion to the art of fine jewellery, The Dragonfly draws upon Robert Clerc Jewellery's most iconic motifs, reimagined with the precision and emotion that only five decades of mastery can bring.
The Dragonfly is a reflection of Robert's creative journey and a tribute to the natural world that has continually inspired his work.
Graceful and ethereal, The Dragonfly has long symbolised transformation, freedom, and the pursuit of light. Emerging from water to take flight, it mirrors the creative process itself, the evolution from vision to form, from the unseen to the extraordinary.
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