After returning home from the Second World War, Charles Alexander Morrison, an immigrant from Northern Ireland, started a clock and watchmaking business in Cape Town. That was April 1946. From small beginnings great things would come.
In 1958 his eldest son Vere joined him at the bench in his workshop in Wynberg. Vere learned the art of clock and watch repair but dreamed of introducing jewellery into the business and that’s exactly what he and his wife Carrol did in 1966.
C A Morrison Watchmakers become Morrisons Jewellers. Vere attended night classes at the prestigious Ruth Prowes Art College and became a sought after jewellery designer, an accomplished jeweller and a master of the lost wax casting process.
In 1979 Sean, Charles’ younger son, already an experienced diamond cutter, joined his father and brother in the business which was now located in upper Maynard Road Wynberg.
In the late 80’s Vere expanded the business, opening a branch in Maynard Mall. Sean and his wife Karene made that wing of the business their own in 1991 under the name Morrison Jewellers. Sean and Karene relocated to Meadowridge from the Maynard Mall where they enjoyed years of success. The couple closed the Meadowridge shop at the end of 2022.
In 1996 Vere’s daughter Peta-Ann joined the team at Morrisons. She travelled to the US where she trained as a Graduate Gemologist and jewellery designer at the Gemological Institute of America. She studied design under the tutelage of Robert Ahrens, the former head designer for the famed French jeweller Van Cleef and Arpels. Peta’s experience at the GIA stood her in good stead, she now has a couple of jewellery design awards to her credit and the knowledge and skills to select the best gemstones for Morrisons designer jewellery pieces.
In 1997 Gregory, Vere’s son, came onboard with experience at both the jeweller’s bench and the watchmaker’s table.
In 2000 Vere moved Morrisons from Upper Wynberg to the Constantia Courtyard at Constantia Village where the business flourished. In 2008 Vere closed the Constantia shop and began working from a home office.
Since 2022 Morrisons est. 1946 has been online. Peta heads up the team who are still creating the same beautiful, high quality fine jewellery pieces you love.
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