Thriving in the heart of Hobart is a business that has traded for 103 years without any fuss and fanfare. Darts Jewellers has been looking after the people of Hobart as other businesses have come and gone. The business was established by Richard Darcey and traded as Richard Darcey Optometrist & Jeweller. The shop sign under the awning read Richard Darcey Jeweller & Optometrist & Optician.

Len Jack was manager and Jack Stanwix was the watchmaker and jeweller. Mr Darcey became a Senator and Mr Stanwix and Mr Jack ran the business. The arrangement continued after Mr Darcey died. Max Dart returned from active service as an instrument maker in the RAAF and in 1945 found employment with Richard Darcey and finished his apprenticeship watchmaker and became a member of the Horological Guild.

When Jack Stanwix retired in June 1966 Max Dart and his wife Gloria bought the business and continued to trade only changing the name to Darts Jewellers. Max and Gloria’s four children joined the business as they left school. David, as a watchmaker and the three girls in sales.

When Max and Gloria retired in 1984, David ran the business for the next 10 years, before handing over the business to Athalie and Erica. The family connection did not end here as Helen the third sister worked actively in the business for the next 11 years. In April 2005 Athalie retired from the business and handed over total control to Erica who is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.