Dunedin Gems - An update on Tony Williams | Otago Daily Times Online News

Jeweller Tony Williams has gone into semi-retirement.

In December last year, local jeweller Tony Williams closed his Moray Place gallery to go into semi-retirement.

Although he is no longer running the gallery, he continues to have a workshop, as well as an office, located in the CBD where he can meet with clients to discuss commissions and show his work.

He still has a good range of jewellery for sale, much of which can be seen on his website, and he will help you find the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or something special for yourself.

As well as some stunning one-off pieces, there are also the limited editions — designs that he repeats — such as his signature Honey Bee pin.

Honey Bee pin — 18ct carat white and yellow gold with diamond eyes.

If you can’t find the right thing among his collection, you can always discuss the possibility of having something made.

Tony is passionate about the precious materials he works with and over the years has found it hard to resist buying unusual and interesting gemstones which have caught his eye, to add to his collection.

He delights in designing pieces to set off particular stones, such as the Jewel of Orissa shown here, which features a magnificent Indian garnet set in 18ct gold in a silver ring.

Jewel ofOrissa ring — silver, garnet and 18ct gold.

As well as selling locally from his website, his jewellery is also being sold through other galleries, such as The Village Goldsmith in Wellington and the Gray Reid Gallery in Melbourne.

Tony’s decision to close the gallery and enter into semi-retirement came more than 40 years after he first started making and selling jewellery in Dunedin.

‘‘Without the pressure of the gallery, I’m enjoying having time to pursue other interests like walking and fencing, and am making a greater diversity of things, such as walking sticks.’’

Flamingo stick — lancewood, silver and paua.

Creating walking sticks enables Tony to use both his silversmithing and wood-carving skills, as they are crafted from wood and some feature intricate sterling-silver handles.

‘‘My most recent stick is made of lancewood, with eyes of paua set in silver. It’s definitely a bird, but I’m not sure what sort — it really depends which side you look at!’’

He is also collaborating on a book about his work, which is being edited by Barbara Larson and will feature articles by local writer Emma Neale and Auckland art historian Rigel Soranzo, as well as many photographs.

‘‘It’s now 48 years since I went to the Birmingham School of Jewellery to learn the art of making jewellery and this book covers my entire career. It’s still in the very early stages, with a lot of time being spent selecting and compiling photographs. We are hoping the book will be published in March next year. The launch will be a great excuse for a party with some of the fantastic clients who have supported me over the years!’’