A Legacy of Craftsmanship: The Robson’s Jewelry Story

Our distinguished founder, Robert Robson, was born in 1885 in North Shields, England, where he developed a deep passion for mechanical watchmaking. He refined his craft at the esteemed English firm Wilson and Gillie, specializing in the production of marine chronometers—precision instruments crucial for maritime navigation. These timepieces had to endure fluctuating climates while maintaining impeccable accuracy, providing Robert with an exceptional foundation in fine watchmaking.

In 1903, driven by ambition and a pioneering spirit, Robert set sail for the United States, settling in Gulfport, Mississippi. There, he spent three years mastering his skills at J.D. Radford Jewelry. During this time, he met and married his beloved Hattie Florence Larson. Together, they traveled across the American South, residing in Live Oak, Florida, before making their way to Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was in Louisiana that Robert established a thriving jewelry store, which he successfully operated for over a decade.

By 1926, drawn by the opportunities of the booming oil industry, Robert set his sights on Baytown, Texas—then known as the Tri-Cities. The area’s rapid growth made housing scarce, forcing him to navigate this new chapter 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 several times to accommodate its growth, moving into the Guberman Building and later to multiple locations within the Stiles Building on Texas Avenue in Goose Creek.

The success of Robson’s Jewelry was built on the unwavering dedication of the Robson family. Robert’s five children played an active role in the business, becoming experts in jewelry and watch repair while upholding the store’s reputation for exceptional service and professionalism. This steadfast commitment to quality allowed Robson’s Jewelry to endure even the most challenging times, including the Great Depression and the hardships of World War II.

During the war, Robson’s Jewelry was entrusted as an official servicing site for railroad watches—a testament to its high standards. Just as Robert had perfected marine chronometers in his early years, these railroad timepieces required absolute precision, as even the slightest miscalculation could have dire consequences in an era when railroads were the backbone of American transportation.

Robert’s legacy continued through the generations. His daughter, Grace, and her husband, Norman  Hargrave, led the business from 1942 to 1981. Their son, Norman Robson Hargrave, carried the tradition forward from 1981 to 2015, ensuring that the store remained a beacon of excellence. Today, Paul Hargrave, alongside Norman and Robert Hargrave, proudly upholds the family legacy.

With a rich 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 embracing the future—continuing the legacy of excellence that Robert Robson established nearly a century ago.

 

 

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