Tell us about your business.
Xennox Diamonds is a second generation family jewellery business founded by my parents more than fifty years ago.
Our story begins in Germany, where my father completed his goldsmith apprenticeship in Berlin in 1959 before earning his title as Master Jeweller. My mother, an award-winning sculptor who studied Fine Arts and Sculpture in London, brought a refined artistic eye and a deep understanding of proportion and balance. Together they established Brisbane’s first premier diamond jewellery store in City Plaza.
I grew up in the workshop and crafted my first ring at fourteen. After serving as a Captain in the Royal Australian Artillery, I returned to the family business, qualifying as a gemmologist, diamond grader and valuer.
Today I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a business where every person who walks through our doors is celebrating something meaningful. I have the privilege of working alongside Brisbane’s most talented Master Jewellers and our exceptional front-of-house Xennox team.
What sets us apart is the balance between precision and beauty.
Our award-winning designers guide couples through the journey of creating something truly personal, whether it is an engagement ring, wedding band, or a unique piece to celebrate an important moment. Every design is thoughtfully developed in partnership with our clients so that each piece reflects their story.
Meanwhile, our skilled Master Jewellers in our onsite workshop bring those designs to life, crafting timeless pieces that will be treasured for generations.
It is a true honour for our family to now serve three generations of clients. Even more meaningful are the personal stories couples share with us year after year about the jewellery we helped create and the moments it represents in their lives.
What has been your greatest success?
Despite my father winning 12 national design awards, and myself winning two national design awards, one of my proudest personal milestones was authoring the international award-winning book Rock Their World. It is the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect engagement ring and has helped thousands of couples make confident, informed decisions at one of the most important moments of their lives.
As a proud second-generation family business, our greatest success is the trust our clients have in us.
Recognition from the Australian Bridal Industry Association, winning the national and state awards, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and more than 1,545 five-star Google reviews, all endorsed by our clients, are achievements we are deeply proud of.
But what matters most is the long-term relationships we build and the reputation or a remarkably unexpected experience we love creating for our clients.
What do you value about FBA?
I grew up in a family business where we talked about marketing over the dinner table and I watched rings being crafted right before me, from a very early age. At some level I believe design and diamonds are part of my DNA. I experienced firsthand both the privilege and the complexity of working alongside family over many years in the family business.
While I have always loved the business and still do today as much as I did when I started, I also understand as a parent that you want your children to pursue what brings them the greatest joy. That may or may not be within the family enterprise.
What I have observed is that although I began in the business at a very young age, many in the third generation today return in their thirties after gaining broader experience and perspective elsewhere. That outside inspiration can become one of the greatest strengths of a family business.
I joined Family Business Association to learn from those who have already navigated these transitions well. The insights from third and fourth-generation businesses are invaluable. The calibre of speakers, the relevance of the discussions, and the quality of the events are at a level that genuinely reflects the unique dynamics of family enterprise.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
One of my earliest mentors taught me that my greatest business joy lies at the intersection of my two greatest values.
For us at Xennox, what drives us is to continue to deliver that intersection between crafting remarkable experiences and working with high-calibre people, products and services. When those values align, the work becomes deeply meaningful.
Constantly seek to raise your standard above the competition. Stay true to the values and inspiration of the founders, while continuing to innovate and refine what you do.
Make sure you are laying strong foundations early on, not only within your family, but with the valuable team members who love the business as much as you do. They are an essential part of the legacy you are building.
When you do that, your business becomes much more than a store. It becomes a destination that creates a deep and powerful connection with your clients.
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