Grand Boutique and Workshop
The opening of the Musson Grand Boutique and Workshop in Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building signals a defining moment for the Australian fine jewellery house. Situated within one of the city’s most enduring architectural landmarks. The new space brings together retail and workshop in a way that reflects five decades of craftsmanship and family legacy.
Musson has long been recognised for rare and fine jewellery created to mark life’s most meaningful moments. For co-CEOs Catherine and Olivar Musson, storytelling is intrinsic to the brand’s identity. “Every single aspect of what we do begins with a story, so it’s all about how we tell that story and connect with people as we do it,” says Catherine. The Grand Boutique and Workshop emerges as the next chapter in that narrative, a milestone that brings craftmanship and connection together under one roof.
The Musson story began in 1972, when founders Kerry and Robert Musson established their first workshop on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. “My parents began the business in 1972 when they started a humble little workshop in Crows Nest, which very quickly developed into a design powerhouse,” says Olivar. More than five decades later, the second generation continues that legacy, carrying forward a deep respect for craftsmanship while shaping the future direction of the brand.
For Catherine, the QVB location carries particular meaning. “We are a Sydney brand and we’re really proud of that Sydney heritage,” she says. “To be in the Queen Victoria Building, which is iconically Sydney, makes a lot of sense.” Previously operating from a smaller ground-floor boutique, the move was driven less by scale and more by purpose. “It was a big step,” says Olivar. “It’s five times the size of our boutique downstairs… The moment that crystallised it for us completely was being able to move our workshop into the space.”
In an industry increasingly defined by outsourcing and distance from production, Musson’s commitment to expanding its workshop is deliberate. “A lot of colleagues of ours think we’re crazy,” he laughs. “We’ve doubled down because it is such an integral part of our DNA and our brand.” The result is a rare level of transparency. Clients are invited to observe artisan jewellers designing and handcrafting pieces in our boutique, reinforcing a connection between process, provenance and permanence that resonates across generations.
“Every single aspect of what we do begins with a story, so it’s all about how we tell that story and connect with people as we do it,” says Catherine.
Architecturally, the boutique is shaped by light, proportion and restraint, allowing the jewellery to remain the focal point. Designed in collaboration with Emilie Delalande of Studio Etic, the interiors draw from the QVB’s historic arches, translated through refined geometry inspired by the Musson monogram. A palette of patinated brass, textured glass and velvet adds warmth and depth, creating a calm, considered setting in which the jewellery remains the focus.
Among the boutique’s most personal elements is a tapestry mural wall, an abstract interpretation of a candid photograph of founders Kerry and Robert. Subtle in its expression, the work anchors the space in its family origins, allowing history to exist as a presence rather than a statement. As Catherine notes, it ensures the brand’s heritage remains embedded within the experience.
Architecturally, the boutique is shaped by light, proportion and restraint, allowing the jewellery to remain the focal point.
As Musson looks to the future, the intention is unwavering. To continue creating beautiful jewellery that is shaped by craftsmanship, natural gemstones, and a respect for timeless design. It is this commitment to excellence that will define the next chapter of Musson.
Interior design by Studio Etic.
