Tony Williams was born in England, brought up in Wellington, New Zealand, and trained at the Birmingham School of Jewellery where he was awarded an Honours Diploma in Jewellery, F.G.A. and a Diploma in Gem Diamonds.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.

  Over the course of his career Tony has trained two apprentices, employed several skilled craftsmen and established 3 workshops and two galleries. His work has been commissioned by leading Australian retailers and is held in a number of private collections. 

At the end of 2017 Tony closed his gallery and workshop in the Carnegie Centre, but he still has a workshop where he continues to make jewellery, and  meets with clients.

"It is nearly 50 years since I came back from my training in Birmingham to start making jewellery in Dunedin, and over that time I have had the support of some wonderful people. It has also been a real pleasure to see some of the second generation of my clients coming back to find or commission something precious to mark a special occasion."

"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."