Prouds the Jewellers is said to be the largest jewellery supplier in Australia, with over 200 locations across the country. The store carries an excellent the range of 9k to 24 gold, genuine silver and beautiful selections of cultured stone jewellery, diamonds, and other precious stones and metals. The retailer is one of the giants of Australia, doing nearly 600 million dollars worth of business every year. The store is a favourite go-to for buying elegant Xmas and special occasion gifts. The store sells a dazzling array of authentic diamonds, classic real and high fashion jewellery, all at affordable prices with flexible payment options such as lay-by and flexible payment plans that offer an extended interest free period for customers who spend over $399. (To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need to apply for credit at the store when you pick out your purchase. If you’re accepted, they usually offer a period of just over a year for interest-free payments.)

Prouds’ large collection of jewellery features selections for just about every price range, whether you’re buying for yourself or choosing a gift for that special someone. Prices range between $20, for modest gifts such as sterling silver rings, to very pricey, to nearly $5000 for an 18k gold bridal ring set. Of course, the catalogue inventory also offers earrings, bracelets, pendants, chain necklaces, and many other elegant between those two price ranges. Prouds also features a stunning collection of Murano Glass jewellery direct from Italy. For men and women, the store carries rings, necklaces, and luxury watches from Citizen and Casio.

Most of the jewellery that Prouds offers is custom made for the chain. That’s how they are able to offer such reasonable prices and such a large selection at special prices in every catalogue.

A Bit Of Prouds History

Prouds the Jewellers was founded by William James (Bill) Proud, a jeweller who had a vision of his own jewellry business after years of working in various other careers. Proud’s background was first of a seaman, then a clerk with an importer/publishing office, when he finally became a partner in a jewellery store focused on selling affordable, quality jewellery, watches and giftware in Australia. Returning to Sydney, he became a clerk with Ellis & Lake, importers and publishers, and formed a partnership in 1902 to form Ellis & Proud, a jewellery importer.

Two years later, Proud opened his own prosperous jewellery business in Pitt Street. The store became so popular that by 1909 they had to build an addition, and the company employed a large staff of thirty people. In 1911 he formed a limited liability company, Proud’s Ltd, jewelers and opticians and ran the business on his own until 1920, when his two brothers decided to join his prosperous venture. Together, they opened a new five-story store, later nicknamed ‘Proud’s Corner’, and opened it at the intersection of Pitt and King streets. Bill Proud set his sights on higher ambitions in the meantime, finding local suppliers to start manufacturing watch parts that were once only available to import. After many experiments and a few failures, he was able to start creating high-quality replacement parts with the help of an Englishman. With a focus on locally manufactured materials, he was able to build a factory. By the late 1920’s, his manufacturing ventures were such a success that his Australian-made electric clocks could be found all over Australia. Proud’s amazing electric clocks were being installed in banks and government buildings across Australia. Proud was respected by his employees and associates. He was a success and a well-known name in the jewellery business.

In 1996 the 93-year-old jewellery chain was sold to Pascoes. By that time, Prouds had 67 store locations. By 2007, Pascoes had succeeded in growing the storefront. Today there are nearly 200 storefronts across Australia.

Save Even More At Prouds Duty-Free Stores

In early July, Prouds launched a promising new venture at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby on the eve of 2015 Pacific Games, which were hosted by Papua New Guinea this year. The new line of stores offers not only jewellery, but also several sought-after fashionable and luxury brands.

“In partnership with CPL Group, PROUDS foray in Papua New Guinea will provide a world-class shopping experience to travellers at the Port Moresby Jackson International Airport,” Prouds Director Tejash Patel told the Jet Newspaper in July, 2015. “Aligned with the latest International Duty Free Travel Retail trends, we will carry international and major brands of liquor, tobacco, fragrances, confectionaries, watches and jewellery.

“With the wide range of international brands, travellers will be able to purchase with confidence and will get value for their money,” he said.

They’re the perfect first or last stop to make at the airport, and there are several more of these satellite locations in the making. Just a few of the International brands featured are liquor makers Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Jim Beam. The store also features luxury brands such as Gucci, Guess, Oakley, Emporio Armani and Prada.

Save Even More Money On Fine Jewellery With Prouds Club

Aside from the bi-weekly catalogue sales and specials, there’s another way to save money when shopping Prouds, whether you’re shopping in-person or via the online store. Like many modern Australia retailers, Prouds offers a special VIP-members only club that makes its members privy to special sales, new merchandise, and members-only vouchers. Just sign up online to get started. (https://www.prouds.com.au/register)

When shopping for jewellery, it’s always good to shop smart, and check the prices online and via sales catalogues and circulars. Make sure to compare prices, especially around the Xmas holiday, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. A great way to find great deals is to purchase gifts during these seasons, and plan ahead for other special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. In fact, if you choose the lay-by option, you can enter into the contract paying the sales price. This is especially helpful if you’re making a major purchase such as a wedding or engagement ring at Prouds.