Geoffrey Williams

Geoffrey Williams FGA DGA

It is with immense sadness that Jason and Claire announce the passing of their beloved father, Geoffrey Williams, on 1st March 2026. The founder of G.F. Williams & Co., the renowned Hatton Garden–based gemstone wholesaler, Geoffrey passed away at home with his family after a long fight with Parkinson’s. He was aged 85.

Geoff entered the jewellery trade by chance in the early 1960s. Whilst in London to interview for a large corporation, he spotted an advert whilst browsing in Gamages department store which led to his apprenticeship with A. Sechaud & Co. Studying after work, he graduated as a Gemmologist with distinction in 1962, through the prestigious Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

The arrival of the ‘multiple’ store groups requiring gemstones ‘calibrated’ in large volume changed the business, so Geoff started his own company trading as G.F.Williams. Geoff explored international markets for cutters for these stones; initially driving overnight in his old Mini to Idar-Oberstein in Germany, then in Asia. This spirit of adventure led to longstanding trusted relationships with suppliers in Thailand, India, Colombia and Hong Kong, among others. Many of these businesses still exist today, run by the same trusted family connections Geoff established over 50 years ago.

The trade is always changing and with his skills and gem knowledge G.F.Williams’ move into the luxury end of the market delighted Geoff, his training and acute assessment of gemstone values and his ‘it’s all the tweezers’ mantra (always look carefully at the stones) continued well into his retirement.

A keen supporter of the trade, Geoff served several working groups during his career, including The Gem Testing Laboratory and CIBJO committees, often alongside Harry Levy.

It was Geoff’s love of all thing’s car-related, and his exploits in motorsport, that inspired the family involvement with the sport, initially through track days, and later racing as a family team. The family took over and developed Britcar a UK  Motorsport Championship 10 years ago; Geoff was a keen supporter and valued source of advice for his children.

Geoff leaves his beloved wife Mary, two children, and four granddaughters.

RIP Geoffrey Francis Williams
13-01-41 – 01-03-26

Posted: Monday 16 March 2026