Stewart Dawson & Co.

Manawatu Herald, 22 December 1900, Page 2

Stewart Dawson & Co.

We direct attention to the new advertisement of the above firm appearing on our fourth page. The building which has just been finished is at the corner of Willis street and the buikling s is constructed of brick, with polished granite facings, and its appearance is such as to attract the eyes of all passengers in the neighbourhood. The ground floor frontage is occupied by the shop of Stewart Dawson and Co. The main windows, exhibit a mo3t brilliant collection of jewellery, plate etc. Resting on a, polished granit base, inscribed with the name of the firm in gold letters, they do not show a vast expanse of plate-glass in one piece. The windows arc divided into sections, each containing a special display of glittering valuables. Each of the sectiona of the windows h an air-tight compartment, and, as aot a speck of dust or a breath of air can enter, the brilliancy of the jewellery remains undimmed for any tenght of time. Above the section is a row of marble clocks, the joint .weight 'of which represents several ions. These clocks are in various •lesigns. Below in the several sections different exhibits are grouped so as to secure general harmony. In one compartment are hundreds of rings set in divers kinds of precious stones ; in another are scores of gold watches, in others trinkets, pendants, costly bracelets, diamond and other broaches, links, studs, pins and so on. In a second section are si'ver plate and jewellery in a third, " case goods," or costly jewels in morocco cases. Each section 13 mirrored and the shelves are of plate glass with ground edge3, supplying additional g itter to that of the precious stones, ! etc. At night when the windows I are lit up the effect is dazzling, a myriad of scintillating lights being thrown off

All the fittings are of so' id American wa nut, polished ebony in colour. The shop is capacious, and eminently well lighted. The cases on the walls are most elaborate being fitted up with beautiful silvered k U tickets and polished glass shelves, arranged to set off their contents to the bost advantage. The glass counter cases start at the entrance with a semi-circle, and traverse the length and breadth of the department. The cases rest on beautifully carved and turned legs, with a base or facia exquisitely carved and picked out with gold. The ceiling and the door are in themselves works of art. The former is arranged in geometrical panels of various sizes and shapes, and painted in the late Renaissance style in decoration, the scheme of colours being a delicate turquoise blue, pale amber and cream colour, relieved with neutral tints and gold leaf. On every hand in the shop is soen a display of gold and silver, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires, opa h and other precious* stones in a variety and wealth seldom seen south of the line. All the jewellery is of the latest and richest type, and has been specially sent out from the head office The people of Wellington have an opportunity for inspecting and obtaining a class of good* of a kind a'most eqnal to that enjoyed by their relatives at Home.