A Legacy of Craftsmanship: The Story of Robson’s Jewelry

Our esteemed founder, Robert Robson, was born in 1885 in North Shields, England, where he cultivated a deep passion for mechanical watchmaking. He honed his craft at the prestigious English company Wilson and Gillie, producing marine chronometers—precision instruments vital for maritime navigation. These timepieces had to withstand fluctuating climates and maintain impeccable accuracy, providing Robert with an unparalleled foundation in the art of fine watchmaking.

In 1903, driven by ambition and a pioneering spirit, Robert embarked on a journey to the United States, settling in Gulfport, Mississippi. He spent three years perfecting his skills at J.D. Radford Jewelry, and during this time, he met and married his beloved Hattie Florence Larson. Together, they ventured across the American South, living in Live Oak, Florida, before making their way to Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, Louisiana. There, Robert established a thriving jewelry store, which he operated for over a decade.

In 1926, drawn by the opportunities of the booming oil industry, Robert set his sights on Baytown, Texas, then known as the Tri-Cities. The rapid economic expansion made housing scarce, forcing him to navigate this new landscape alone for six months before his family could join him. By 1928, Robson’s Jewelry proudly opened its doors in the historic Brunson Building in Old Baytown. As the business flourished, it relocated three times to accommodate its growth, moving into the Guberman Building and later into two locations within the Stiles Building on Texas Avenue in Goose Creek.

The Robson family’s unwavering dedication was the foundation of the business’s success. Robert’s five children actively contributed, mastering expert jewelry and watch repair services while upholding the store’s reputation for professionalism and warm customer service. This commitment to quality and excellence allowed Robson’s Jewelry to withstand even the most challenging periods, including the Great Depression and the hardships of World War II.

During the war, Robson’s Jewelry was chosen as the official servicing site for railroad watches—a responsibility that underscored the store’s high standards. Just as Robert had perfected marine chronometers in his early years, these railroad timepieces required extreme precision, as even the smallest error could have dire consequences in an era when railroads were the backbone of the American economy.

Robert’s legacy continued through generations. His daughter, Grace, and her husband, Norman Douglas Hargrave, took the helm from 1942 to 1981. Their son, Norman Robson Hargrave, guided the business from 1981 to 2015, ensuring its enduring excellence. Today, Paul Robson Hargrave, Norman’s son, manages the business alongside Norman and Robert Hargrave.

With a proud history spanning nearly a century, Robson’s Jewelry remains a symbol of craftsmanship, resilience, and family tradition. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2026, we honor the past while looking forward to a bright and promising future, dedicated to the same principles that Robert Robson established nearly a century ago.