Future looks sparkling for historic name in jewellery

Robert Stewart has been opened by city jewellers Laings, as part of its £1.5 million expansion in the Argyll Arcade, which offers the largest selection of diamond jewellery, wedding rings and watches in a single location in Scotland.

The jeweller, once silversmith to Queen Victoria, closed its doors in Sauchiehall Street in 1989. Now the family business Laings has brought the Robert Stewart brand back to be part of its large emporium.

The 3000 sq ft store, which opened last month on a prime corner site, is the second largest of its kind in the city's historic jewellery quarter, and the biggest owned by the family business.

Laings was set up in Glasgow more than 150 years ago as a clock and watch maker and repairer.

Director Wendy Laing, 35, whose father Stuart is the current owner, said: "The past six months have been really exciting with the launch of our new flagship store and the introduction of several new and exclusive brands.

"Despite not having traded for many years, the Robert Stewart name still resonates with the people of Glasgow and is regarded as a high-quality and reliable brand.

"Now is the perfect time to open the store to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase jewellery from another historic Scottish name."

The original Robert Stewart business was established by brothers Allan and Robert in 1835, based in the Trongate area, and was appointed goldsmith, jeweller, wholesaler and silversmith to Queen Victoria between 1886 and 1896.

The last Robert Stewart store on Sauchiehall Street was purchased by Laings in 1989. Laings has been trading from the enclosed arcade in the 1970s.

More than 35 brands will be available from the firm once the emporium opens.

Founder James Laing, the great, great, great, great uncle of current owner Stuart Laing, served as an apprentice clock-maker who carried out work for the Duke of Hamilton before setting up his own business.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk