Biography
Grant is Trade Certified as a Qualified Tradesman Manufacturing Jeweller, having been issued New Zealand Trade Certification number 140 in Manufacturing Jewellery. An internationally qualified and registered Personalty Property Valuer. He is also an Advanced Gems and Jewellery Specialist. He specializes in the direct procurement of materials and the boutique manufacture of high quality one off handmade items through his company, Harrisons Limited, Jewellers of Eastbourne.
Grant began his career as an indentured Manufacturing Jewellery apprentice which had advancement strands in Gemology. By the ending of his term served as an apprentice, he was considered to be one of the last indentured Manufacturing Jeweller apprentices in New Zealand. Consequently his fields of expertise are wide, with extensive knowledge of correct manufacturing techniques, precious metal alloys and their working properties, the manufacture of high quality handmade items, wristwatches and antique items, This is coupled with particular interests in diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls and grading thereof. Grant has been called on numerous occasions to formulate the learning outcomes needed to ensure the continuation of the delivery of training to New Zealand’s Skilled Trades so as to ensure the retention of a highly skilled, work competent, Manufacturing Jewellery and Watch and Clockmaking workforce across New Zealand.
Of note, Grant was appointed Industry Commissioner of Apprentices (2008- present), Chief Examiner (NZQA) Manufacturing Jewellery (1997-2006) Contracted to rewrite TOPNZ’s Correspondence Assessment Courses Stages 1, 2 and 3 Manufacturing Jewellery and commissioned to revise Prescription 70 Manufacturing Jewellery NZQA. Accepted foreign invitations to further his knowledge include, tours in to the Cullinan Diamond mine South Africa, mining and markets in Chanthaburi Thailand and to the Black Pearl Consolidation Board of the Cook Island Government where he also acted in an advisor capacity. Within New Zealand he was the development specialists for New Zealand’s own pearl, the “Blue Pearl” being the 1st certified “Blue Pearl” grader globally
