Vivian Watson

Vivian Watson first came to Hatton Garden as a boy during his school holidays. He enjoyed watching the craftsmen in the workshop of the family’s manufacturing jewellery business and was fascinated by the allure of gold and diamonds. He joined his father, Peter Watson, in 1967 and spent over fifty years in the trade before formally retiring in 2017. Although he is now retired, he continues to take a close interest in the trade and enjoys the freedom and privilege of knowing the ‘Garden’ better than most. The family business is now in the hands of the next generation and John Watson is responsible for all operations of PJ Watson Ltd. 

The Watson family have the unique claim to having four consecutive generations of qualified gemmologists each holding the coveted FGA diploma (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain). 

Vivian Watson has been a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths since 1995. He has served as Chairman of The Gemmological Association and is an avid collector of trade memorabilia. 

His company library contains over 1,000 books on diamonds, gems, precious metals, jewellery and the history of the trade. He lectures on all aspects of the industry to invited audiences and acts as a consultant to private clients. His passion beyond the trade is for charity work, which is fronted by The Diamond Trust.