PJ Watson at 60: Six Decades of British Jewellery, Gems & Global Vision
From a Hatton Garden workshop to an internationally recognised name in fine jewellery, PJ Watson celebrates 60 years of craftsmanship, coloured gemstones and family heritage.
Founded in London in 1966 by Peter Watson, PJ Watson reaches its diamond anniversary this September. What began at 67 Hatton Garden has evolved into a respected fine jewellery manufacturing business, now guided by the third generation of the Watson family.
Peter Watson entered the jewellery world through his mother, a gemmologist, before gaining international experience selling diamonds for an Antwerp-based company. When he established PJ Watson at 40, he built the business around fine diamonds, coloured gemstones and specialist gemmological knowledge.
His sons, Vivian and Philip, joined during the late 1960s and followed in the family tradition by qualifying as gemmologists.
From London to the World
PJ Watson's ambitions quickly extended beyond the UK. The company exhibited at leading British jewellery fairs and developed international connections in Basel, Tokyo and Taipei. Its global journey expanded further under Vivian Watson, who explored sourcing opportunities in Hong Kong and developed strong relationships within the Japanese market.
Colour has remained a defining feature of the company's identity. Its anniversary celebrations highlight its association with the rainbow ring, featuring vibrant fancy-coloured sapphires. The company also entered the Canadian diamond market following a 2001 visit to the Northwest Territories.
Alongside its own creations, PJ Watson has represented international jewellery brands including Signoretti, Chimento and Marco Bicego. Since 1995, it has held the exclusive UK agency for Italian jewellery house Picchiotti.
Three Generations of Expertise
After almost four decades in Hatton Garden, the company relocated to Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Vivian retired in 2017 after 50 years, with his son John taking the business forward.
An FGA since 2006, John continues the family's gemmological tradition, sourcing distinctive coloured stones for unique creations.
Six decades on, PJ Watson's story is one of craftsmanship, knowledge and family continuity — proving that enduring jewellery is built not only to sparkle, but to last.