The Reinvention of a British Icon, David M Robinson
The diamonds haven’t changed, still catching the light like they did when The Beatles were recording Abbey Road. But walk into DMR today and you’ll find a new generation discovering why their grandparents trusted this Liverpool icon.
Words by Jamie McFadden.
Liverpool, 1969. The Beatles are rewriting music history and across the road from their beloved Matthew Street, David M Robinson began crafting diamond jewellery in a small workshop. While Liverpool’s music shook the world, DMR perfected a quieter art – creating heirloom-quality jewellery with the same passion this city poured into its music.
Over 55 years on, their Liverpool ONE flagship is more than a showroom. Many generations of Liverpool families have travelled, and continue to travel, to DMR to find watches and jewellery as timeless as the city’s character and service as friendly as any Merseyside welcome. They understand that certain items, such as fine diamonds and well-made jewellery, never go out of fashion.
Stepping into any DMR showroom is an immersive experience, but nowhere more so than this busy, yet peaceful retail space. The deep connection to Liverpool is immediately felt. “Liverpool is fundamentally part of our identity,” shares Alisha Foulkes, Showroom Manager, her tone reflecting both pride and warmth. “This space at Liverpool ONE is DMR’s home. It’s just a stone’s throw away from where Mr Robinson began – creating quality pieces of jewellery in a small workshop on North John Street. That commitment to crafting exclusive diamond collections with real integrity? It is something that remains at our core today.”
Quality is a non-negotiable for DMR. It earned its reputation through distinctive designs and using precious materials to craft pieces destined to become future heirlooms. Every diamond is selected with a discerning eye by a team of experts at the brand’s Cheshire HQ, every setting executed with precision. “At the heart of it,” Alisha explains thoughtfully, “we believe it is design that makes the difference.”
“While the diamonds possess their own beauty, of course, it’s the unique vision behind each piece that gives it soul and real significance for our clients.”
Now, DMR is embracing an exciting new chapter, firmly rooted in its heritage. “It’s a very energising time for the brand,” Alisha reveals with quiet enthusiasm. “Later this year, we’ll be expanding our jewellery offering. While the specifics are still under wraps so I’m sworn to secrecy, it will be an exciting evolution celebrating the real essence of what we do – striking design, quality craftsmanship and our commitment to exclusivity and quality. We’re moving forwards, but we’re not forgetting our foundation and desire to create distinctive diamond jewellery that is designed to be treasured for many years to come.”
This season, DMR evolves one of its most successful collections with the launch of a new iteration, Giallo Pearl, a deliberate embrace of pearls’ modern revival in fine jewellery. Each piece features interlocking 18ct yellow gold components, with beautiful white cultured pearls. The collection is inspired by Venice’s love-locked bridges, using precious metal and this unique gem as a symbol of unbreakable bonds. Leading the collection are a fluid 42cm necklet, priced at £3,300, and a matching bracelet for £1,800. Both of the new pieces were designed in the brand’s Atelier, before being lifted from the sketchbook by master goldsmiths, at DMR’s Italian goldsmithing partner. These are versatile pieces for romance, reimagined.
For DMR, luxury extends beyond the object itself. It is intrinsically linked to the experience in its showrooms. “Our passion is equally for the people we serve and the jewellery we create,” Alisha emphasises. “We cherish relationships that often span decades, sometimes generations. Clients know they are entering a space where they are genuinely welcomed and understood, guided by our team who share their appreciation for true craftsmanship. Whether marking a special moment in life or just seeking something unique, the journey is deeply personal. That sense of trust and connection is absolutely vital to who we are.”
This dedication to authentic, personalised service is the thread woven through DMR’s five-decade history. It’s why clients return – for the expertise of the business’ ‘helpful experts’, the discretion and a shared value for enduring quality. Their prominent Liverpool ONE location anchors this tradition at the centre of the city’s vibrant retail scene.
But over 55 years on from its founding, DMR can now be found across the UK, with showrooms in Manchester, Canary Wharf, Altrincham and a beautiful boutique within Belgravia’s Peninsula Hotel. Their relationship with some of the finest watch manufacturers in the world, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, has led to a further expansion of its retail footprint to include mono-brand watch boutiques for OMEGA, TUDOR and TAG Heuer across Liverpool and Manchester.
For the discerning reader who values heritage, uncompromising quality and service that feels both knowledgeable and genuinely personal, David M Robinson offers more than jewellery. It is a connection to Liverpool’s craft, a promise of timeless design and the confidence of working with passionate experts dedicated to finding or creating your perfect piece.
“Being the guardian of this long-standing commitment, right here in the heart of Liverpool where it all began, is a real privilege,” Alisha reflects. “And me and the team are genuinely excited about crafting its next beautiful chapter.”
