A Family Story

In 1896, 33 St Mary Street is completed as the grand entrance to the new morgan arcade.

Designed by Edwin Seward, the building features a distinctive polychrome stone façade.

Kaiser & Son, a prestigious watchmaker and jeweller, becomes the first tenant

Kaiser & Son – established in the 1880’s by Elias Kaiser relocates from No. 42 St Mary Street to the newly erected building to become the arcades first tenant.

The shop quickly becomes known for fine watches & clocks, anchoring the Morgan Arcade’s reputation as a shopping destination.

As the new century dawned, Kaiser & Son thrived at 33 St Mary Street, becoming a respected name in Cardiff’s jewellery trade. The elegant Morgan Arcade entrance attracted discerning customers, while skilled watchmaking and personal service earned loyalty. The business laid strong foundations for a legacy of excellence that would carry through generations

Amid rising anti-German sentiment on the eve of World War 1, Kaiser & Son rebrands under a more English sounding name, Kingston Brothers.

Under the Kingston Brothers banner, the jewellery and watchmaking business remains continuously open at 33 St. Mary Street throughout the war years and beyond.

In the interwar period, Kingston Brothers remains a thriving jewellers in the heart of Cardiff, catering to customers with traditional service and craftsmanship.

By the 1930’s, the store is well established as a city centre fixture. The building’s exterior remains its original Victorian character.

During World War II, Cardiff’s city centre endures bombings, but 33 St Mary Street and the Morgan Arcade survive the war without significant damage. The continuity of the business through WWII further cements its status as a stalwart local establishment.

The ornate arcade entrance and shopfront at No. 33 continue to grace St Mary Street, unchanged in structure since 1896.

In this era, many Victorian shopfronts were modernised for a more modern look. During this period the ornate façade was obscured by contemporary additions. The original Kingston Brothers signage however remained, and can to this day still be seen on the exterior of the building.

Kingston Brothers continued trading steadily through the 1970s, quietly serving loyal customers as Cardiff evolved around it. Though mid-century shopfront panels masked the original Victorian detail, the heart of the business remained unchanged. In 1975, the building was awarded Grade II listed status — a key moment that secured the future protection of its historic architecture.

A major turning point came in the early 1980’s. After roughly 85 years of continuous operation, Kingston Brothers was sold to new owners. Local jeweller David Hughes-Lewis (and his wife Margaret) took over the business in 1981, ushering in a new family ownership.

Upon takeover, they renamed the store Jonathan David Jewellers, after their young son Jonathan.

This change marked the end of an era, a name the business had carried since WWI – and the beginning of the new Jonathan David era.

The Hughes-Lewis family undertook significant restoration work on the building’s shopfront to honour its Victorian heritage.

This project revealed and restored the beautiful 1890’s details that had been hidden for decades – including wooden frames, arches, and decorative elements matching the arcade’s period style.

By the end of the 1980’s, the store was once more enjoying the authentic Victorian façade as it looked in 1896.

While Cardiff’s retail scene shifted, Jonathan David Jewellers remained a constant. As David Morgan closed and the Morgan Arcade was revitalised, the store upheld its reputation for quality and trust. The Hughes-Lewis family embraced tradition, offering vintage and modern jewellery in a space rich with heritage – continuing an unbroken line of craftsmanship.

Jonathan David Jewellers flourished as a living link to Cardiff’s past. With Jonathan joining the helm, the business blended classic skills with  curated modern collections. Restoration praise and national recognition followed. The store remained a destination for watchmaking and bespoke pieces – treasured by those seeking timeless quality in a beautifully preserved Victorian setting.

Now over 125 years since its founding, Jonathan David Jewellers is proudly run by the third generation. The family continues to innovate while staying true to their heritage. A trusted name in bridal, bespoke, and fine jewellery, the store remains an icon – merging digital innovation with the warm, personal service customers have loved for decades.