After working for leading jewellers in London, including two years with Andrew Grima, he returned to New Zealand and established his own jewellery workshop. In 1989 Tony received an Arts Council grant for overseas study which he used to further his skills in enamelling, visiting workshops in Italy, Scotland and working for Kempson & Mauger in London. In 1990 he was Commended in the enamelling section of the London Goldsmiths’ Hall Competitions.

From having started as a solo artist in 1975, Tony Williams’ workshop has moved and grown. It was based in St Leonards, with workshop and studio overlooking Otago Harbour until 2004 when it moved to its current location in Moray Chambers in the heart of Dunedin.

He employs two craftsmen to help produce both one-off and production pieces, which are sold to leading retailers in New Zealand and Australia. In the midst of all this activity Tony manages to create some special exhibition pieces, made to his own whim.

Fine design, fine materials, fine craftsmanship - I try to incorporate all of these in my work. There is no substitute for quality of materials and technique. I feel that jewellery must be beautiful in its own right, but that it should also compliment the wearer. It must be personal. It should be unique. Some of my pieces are pure fun, some are pure costume, and others have ritual significance. As a designer and a professional I expect to be able to produce jewellery as and when required. As an artist I hope something of my own personality comes through in each and every piece I design and make.