St Quentin Avenue isn’t just our address -It’s part of who we are. For more than forty-two years, we’ve watched this street change and flourish, just as we’ve grown and evolved alongside it. Our story is deeply connected to this place, and every chapter holds a special memory.
A Street with a Past
Long before we arrived, St Quentin Avenue was a quiet residential street, known then as Divers Street. In 1925, it was renamed to commemorate an Australian victory at St Quentin during the First World War.
For decades, the street remained home to families and small, local businesses. Tom the Cheap Grocer was a well-loved fixture, a place locals remember fondly. But in the early 1970s, when Coles supermarket opened nearby, Tom the Cheap closed its doors. That moment marked the beginning of change - the shift from a sleepy suburban street to a bustling commercial hub.
Finding Our Place
In 1983, we opened the doors to Brinkhaus Jewellers. At the time, there was just one other jeweller in Claremont, and Target still stood where Claremont Quarter is today. Aherns was across the road, and a handful of boutiques and specialty stores were beginning to bring new energy to the street.
The building at 24 St Quentin Avenue was brand new, and we were its very first tenants. With a men’s clothing store on one side and a ladies’ boutique on the other, it felt full of possibility - the perfect place to begin. That moment was more than the start of a business; it was the beginning of our bond with this street and its community.
A European Touch in the Heart of Claremont
When we first opened our doors, we brought with us the vision and artistry of our founder, Doris Brinkhaus - a master jeweller trained in Germany who spent a decade perfecting her craft in her own Canadian boutique. From the very beginning, our philosophy was simple: to offer exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and truly personal service.
Our intimate 96-square-metre boutique soon became a cherished destination for those seeking jewellery that is not only elegant but meaningful - pieces made to be treasured for a lifetime.
Watching the Street Come Alive
Over the years, we’ve watched St Quentin Avenue transform into one of Claremont’s most recognisable and loved retail destinations. Boutiques opened, cafés arrived, and a vibrant village atmosphere grew around us.
Through every change, we’ve remained right here - a constant presence on the street. One of our proudest moments was designing the Hopman Cup Tennis Balls - sterling silver and 18-carat gold trophies set with more than 200 diamonds - presented to some of the greatest players in the world, including Roger Federer, Boris Becker, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf. A little piece of St Quentin Avenue made its way onto the world stage.
Four Decades On
Today, we’re still proud to call 24 St Quentin Avenue home. Doris continues to work alongside her son Karl Brinkhaus, a jeweller, gemmologist, and diamond grader. Together with our team of master goldsmiths, we handcraft each piece with the same dedication and care that shaped our earliest days.
“Jewellery is about celebration, love, and life’s special moments,” Doris says. “It’s a joy to be part of so many stories.”
We’ve seen fashions change, buildings rise, and new faces arrive. Through it all, this street has remained at the heart of everything we do.
✨ To celebrate 42 wonderful years on St Quentin Avenue, we’re offering 20–25% off all jewellery from now until Christmas Eve. ✨
