Larry Williamson

Lary was born in Johannesburg South Africa. He was educated in South Africa and has a Bachelors Degree from the University of South Africa. He received an early introduction to the jewellery business from his grandfather Daniel Williamson who was a involved in the Kimberley diamond trade. Daniel, a successful diamond dealer, shared in the birth of the colorful Kimberley diamond boom in South Africa. He introduced Lary to the fascinating world of gems.

In 1978 Lary started training under master jewellers Con Hattingh and Christo Heineke. He qualified 5 years later as a manufacturing jeweller.

In 1986  he joined Mervis Brothers Rolex in Johannesburg South Africa where he gained valuable experience learning the art of precious stone setting. Making custom Rolex diamond bracelets. He represented them at the De Beers Design Awards in 1988

In 1989 Larry started a new jewellery design company with David Bolam from Graff London. They specialised in creating statuettes of African wildlife. He went on to work with Andrea Polito and Klaus Matzke Italian and German Jewellers.

Larry Joined the Schwartz International Jewellery Group and worked with them for 13 Years. They had brances in London and Los Angeles and were truly international jewellers. Lary was therefore able to make high jewellery for many influencial and famous clients. They won numerous design awards among them the Anglo Gold Riches of Africa and Anglo Platinum awards.

In 2004 he moved to Western Australia to join Leon Baker Jewellers. There he managed the design studio/workshop and trained apprentices. It is here that he met Gemma Baker in the last year of her apprenticeship.

During 2007 Lary shipped all his manufacturing and metal casting equipment from South Africa. Lary and Gemma Baker founded Valley Jewellery Gallery and built a jewellery design and manufacturing studio in the Chapman Valley.

In 2008 Lary launched the GeTonn collection as he celebrates 30 years in the jewellery industry.