Guess Watches
advertisement
Guess Watches
advertisement
Guess Watches
advertisement
Goto your account
Search Stories by: 
and/or
 

News












Graham Jackson on his 90th birthday,  one of the Australian jewellery industry's most respected contributors, passed away last Thursday at the age of 92.
Graham Jackson on his 90th birthday, one of the Australian jewellery industry's most respected contributors, passed away last Thursday at the age of 92.

Australian jewellery industry icon: Remembering Graham Jackson

Graham Jackson OAM, one of the Australian jewellery industry's most respected contributors, passed away last Thursday at the age of 92.

Having briefly managed his father-in-law's NSW jewellery business, he qualified as a gemologist and established his own jewellery store, Loloma, in 1959 on Townsville's Flinders Street.

Under his stewardship, the retailer expanded to seven stores throughout northern Queensland.

Jackson was also the foundation chairman and managing director of the Australian buying group Showcase Jewellers.

He especially had time for young people entering the industry. His love of the jewellery industry was only matched by his love of Townsville and northern Queensland.

"Graham Jackson was also the foundation chairman and managing director of the Australian buying group Showcase Jewellers. He especially had time for young people entering the industry."

He represented various local business organisations, including Townsville Enterprise Limited and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, and was a director and deputy chairman of the Queensland Small Business Development Corporation.

In 2002, he received an Order of Australia for his work in social welfare and health organisations and for his contributions to local sport. Some years ago, he was a co-owner of the Cairns Taipans National Basketball League team.

Jackson was bestowed a Queensland Great Award in 2011. The award recognises outstanding Queenslanders for their years of dedication and contribution to the state's development and their role in strengthening and shaping the community.

The awards are presented as part of the Queensland Day celebrations. Each award is commemorated with a plaque on a wall in the Roma Street Parkland.

"I just had to tell you"

Jackson was a tireless advocate of the Australian jewellery industry and a strong supporter of this magazine.

Graham Jackson stands with an award to recognise his contribution to the Salvation Army.
Graham Jackson stands with an award to recognise his contribution to the Salvation Army.

He was always available for comment and information, and journalists new to the industry were often advised to introduce themselves to Jackson with simple instructions: “Sit back and listen to everything he has to say.”

In August 2022, I received an unexpected email saying, “Good afternoon Angela, I have been running jewellery stores for 62 years, and have to congratulate you because the current July issue is the best industry magazine which has ever been printed.

“I just had to tell you. With best wishes, Graham.”

Knowing that our December issue that year was a special issue devoted to “What Do Jewellers Think?” I replied, asking him if he would like to contribute. His reply was immediate: “YES.”

This enthusiastic response was just one of many examples of Jackson’s tireless commitment to the Australian industry and his willingness to volunteer his time, energy, and insight.  

Sadly, when I followed up with him sometime later, he advised that he was under medical treatment, adding that he would be in contact when he had recovered.

He is survived by his six children and 14 grandchildren.

Vale Graham Jackson.
 

A LOOK BACK

Graham Jackson with staff at Loloma Jewellers as he announces his retirement at 88 years old. | Source: Townsville Bulletin
Graham Jackson with staff at Loloma Jewellers as he announces his retirement at 88 years old. | Source: Townsville Bulletin

In front of his beloved store, Graham Jackson celebrates 60 years of Loloma. | Source: Townsville Bulletin
In front of his beloved store, Graham Jackson celebrates 60 years of Loloma. | Source: Townsville Bulletin

Graham Jackson is given honourary award from Showcase in 2018 for his years of service.
Graham Jackson is given honourary award from Showcase in 2018 for his years of service.











SAMS Group Australia
advertisement





Read current issue

login to my account
Username: Password:
Rapid Casting
advertisement
Jeweller Magazine
advertisement
SAMS Group Australia
advertisement
© 2024 Befindan Media