Our Story
Steven James Jewellers was founded in 1983 by master jeweller James Ballas in Bankstown, Sydney. Before opening his own studio, James honed his craft under the mentorship of a Jewish goldsmith — an ex-prisoner of war — who generously welcomed him into his community and trade. This early experience instilled in James a profound respect for heritage, craftsmanship, and the deeper meaning jewellery can hold.
In the early years, James partnered with his brother Steven, opening the original Steven James store on Restwell Street, Bankstown. While Steven eventually pursued a different path, James remained steadfast, growing the business and building a loyal following from the same location for 17 years.
A pivotal moment in the Steven James legacy came in 2000, when James won the prestigious De Beers Diamond Design Award for “Love in the New Millennium.” This international recognition sparked widespread acclaim and propelled the business into a new era. Riding the wave of success and accumulating many design awards, James transitioned the business into a premium retail setting and eventually opened a second boutique in Bondi — cementing Steven James Jewellers as a name synonymous with award-winning design and artisanal excellence.
James’s creative journey continued with the opening of a freestanding workshop and gallery in Western Sydney. It was here that he conceptualised and handcrafted Petaloudes — Greek for “butterflies” — a breathtaking necklace composed of 970 individually set diamonds (15.90ct total) in 18ct white, yellow, rose, and green gold. The piece won the Diamond Facets Qantas Red Carpet Award, adding to James’s growing list of accolades and further establishing his reputation as one of Australia’s most respected designers.
In 2019, after many successful years in Bankstown Centro, James relocated Steven James Jewellers to its current home — a dedicated, full-service workshop studio where his legacy continues to evolve.
Now joined by his son, Jack Ballas, the brand continues to grow while remaining true to its roots. As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in offering a completely in-house jewellery experience — from initial design to final polish.
We are one of the few jewellery houses in Australia to offer a full-service, end-to-end jewellery studio, complete with our own in-house casting facility. Unlike many jewellers, we do not outsource any part of our process. Everything is made on-site by our skilled artisans, many of whom use traditional, handcrafting techniques passed down through generations.
Our Boutique
Step inside the world of Steven James Jewellers, where old-world craftsmanship meets contemporary luxury.
Our boutique is more than a retail space — it’s a working atelier. Designed with a bold industrial elegance, the space reflects the soul of our craft. Exposed brick, raw steel beams, hand-riveted finishes, and vintage equipment set the stage for a truly immersive jewellery experience. Every element is curated to honour both tradition and innovation.
We’ve built a one-of-a-kind environment where clients can witness the artistry behind the pieces — from molten metal to polished perfection. With our fully in-house casting facility and design studio located on site, nothing is outsourced, and no detail is overlooked.
Set behind grand steel doors, our boutique offers a private, tailored space where creativity flows, ideas are exchanged, and bespoke pieces are born. Whether you’re designing your dream engagement ring or commissioning a custom heirloom, you’ll work directly with master jewellers who live and breathe the craft — right here, in our studio.