Inspired by Grandeur: How the Manchester Unity Building Has Inspired Simon West Fine Jewellery

In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD stands one of the city’s most beloved architectural treasures - the Manchester Unity Building. 

With its soaring Art Deco spire, elaborate façade, and intricate interior detailing, this landmark is more than just a place of business. It’s a living piece of history. 

It’s also the home of Simon West Fine Jewellery, where our daily focus is on craftsmanship, heritage, and elegance - creating custom jewellery that’s as timeless as the building we work in.

A Landmark of Art Deco Beauty

Completed in 1932 during the height of the Great Depression, the Manchester Unity Building was a bold symbol of confidence and ambition. 

Designed by architect Marcus Barlow, its distinctive Art Deco style was inspired by New York’s famous skyscrapers - especially the Tribune Tower and the Chicago Board of Trade Building. 

The structure’s vertical lines, ornate metalwork, and geometric motifs captured the spirit of modernity while honouring tradition.

From the moment visitors enter its grand lobby - complete with high ceilings, patterned marble floors, and decorative stained glass - they’re immersed in a world where every detail has been thoughtfully designed. 

This same level of attention to craftsmanship and enduring style is exactly what Simon West Fine Jewellery aspires to with our jewellery creations.

Where Architecture and Jewellery Design Intersect

At Simon West Fine Jewellery, we believe good design transcends time. Like the Manchester Unity Building, our pieces are made to be admired for generations. 

The parallels between iconic architecture and bespoke jewellery are striking. Both require a careful balance of proportion, detail, structure, and flair. Both are expressions of art and intent.

We often draw inspiration from our surroundings, and none are more influential than the walls we work within every day. 

For Simon and the team, the Manchester Unity Building is not just our address - it’s a muse. Its timeless elegance, sharp lines, and intricate detailing echo through our engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom pieces.

Launching Soon: The Manchester Unity-Inspired Collection

We’re proud to share that Simon West Fine Jewellery will soon unveil a brand-new jewellery collection directly inspired by the architectural features of the Manchester Unity Building. 

From the building’s signature verticality to its ornate metal inlays and sculptural accents, this limited collection will reinterpret key motifs into fine jewellery form.

Expect to see bold lines balanced by delicate curves, symmetrical designs reminiscent of stained glass, and precious metals and stones that reflect the building’s opulence. 

Each piece will honour Melbourne’s architectural heritage while standing beautifully on its own.

Crafting Custom Pieces with Enduring Beauty

Every custom piece at Simon West Jewellery begins with a conversation. 

Clients come to us with dreams, ideas, and stories. 

We turn those into heirloom-quality designs that will be worn and loved for years to come. 

Our design philosophy has always leaned toward the timeless, the elegant, and the meaningful.

Just as the Manchester Unity Building was crafted to endure and inspire, we see jewellery as a lasting legacy. 

Our clients often say that their custom engagement ring or wedding band feels like more than just a piece of jewellery – it’s a part of their story. 

That’s the power of exceptional design, and that’s what we strive to deliver.

Timelessness is in the Detail

What makes a building like the Manchester Unity so enduring? It’s the attention to detail. 

From hand-cut tiles to custom wrought iron, every element was designed to delight – and it still does, 93 years later!

At Simon West Fine Jewellery, we use only the finest diamonds and gemstones, and work with 18ct gold and platinum to ensure durability and brilliance. 

Every curve, claw, and setting is meticulously planned. 

Whether it’s a round brilliant cut engagement ring or a set of custom wedding bands, we pour our expertise and care into every piece - because we know that quality never goes out of style.

A Melbourne Story, Rooted in Tradition

Simon West Fine Jewellery is proudly Melbourne-based. 

And being housed in the Manchester Unity Building is a daily reminder of what it means to be part of this city’s vibrant creative and historical fabric. 

As we prepare to launch our Manchester Unity-inspired collection, we invite clients, collectors, and lovers of architecture alike to experience the unique synergy between design disciplines. 

Visit Us

Visit our showroom, soak in the atmosphere of one of Melbourne’s most historic buildings, and discover how inspiration becomes wearable art!

We would also love you to explore our latest designs and news online at simonwestjewellery.com.