New Zealand watch manufacturers are restricting their sales to recognized members of the jewelry trade only. Imports in 1927 amounted to 159,289 English pounds and fell to 24,132 in the war year of 1942. Peak amount of 208,560 was reached in 1952, going down to 135,561 in 1953. Since then there has been a steadily rising trend, with 180,625 or $505,750 at the present rate of exchange.
Source: American Horologist and Jeweler - March 1957
A Listing of Jewellers working in Christchurch in 1951:
Avon Arts Ltd., 86 Worcester Street
Crescent Jewellers, 60 Seaview Rd.
Daubney’s Jewellers, 1138 Manchester St.
Clifford A. Deyell, 225 High St.
Harrington Jeweller 111E Riccarton Rd.
Gloucester Jewell Box, 113 Gloucester St.
Jeffries Jewellers Ltd, 187 Manchester St.
Jewell Casket, 148 Gloucester St.
Kellaways Jewellers Ltd., 68 Cathedral Square.
Keepsake Jewellers, 85 Cashel St.
R. L. Kennett Ltd., 211 High St.
Lane’s Jewellers, Hereford Court.
The Lorna Doone, 666 Colombo St.
Maydeane Jewellers, Gloucester St.
R. E. Nicolas (Ch.Ch.) Ltd., 128 Gloucester St.
Petersen’s Ltd., 33-37 New Regent St.
Rayner Vile, McKenzies Arcade.
E. Reece Ltd., 661 Colombo St.
A.C. Robilliard, Cnr. High & Hereford Sts.
F. E. Robrtsons, 255 High St.
Stewart Dawson & Co. (N. Z.) Ltd., High St.
Tredreas Jewellers, 157 Gloucester St.
Watsons “Jewellers" Ltd, 695 Colombo St.
Watsons “Jewellers” ‘Ltd, 278 High St.
Geo. Wear, 161 Cashel St.
Westende Jewellers 207 Manchester St.
Seth R. Whale, 677 Colombo St..
White’s Jewellers, 683 Colombo St.
Youngs. Jewellers, 248. Oxford Terrace.
New Zealand has never enjoyed the fame of the Australian continent for its gold produce, but nevertheless since 1857 the gold fields of New Zealand have produced in round numbers £45,000,000. The gold exported reached its highest point in 1866, when 735,376 ounces, valued at £2,844,517, were exported. The present production is valued at nearly £1,000,000. A total area of 21,000 square miles of gold and silver bearing lands is already known and proved, both metals having been found over that area at numerous localities. A bulky handbook has been written on the subject by Mr. W. J. M. Larnarch, in which information is given, not only as to the precious metals, but other minerals found in the island.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - December 1887
Gum jewelry from New Zealand is striving to make itself popular here. Although some charming effects can be obtained with this gum ornamentation, there is, of course, no value attaching to the “jewelry.” Some of this work recently brought here by returning visitors resembles amber. A heart- shaped pendant of wonderful transparency attracted most attention. A gum brooch, clouded and of a very deep color also came in for considerable admiration. These ornaments, at first glance, are all declared to be of amber.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th September 1921