AN East Renfrewshire jeweller who designed pieces for the Queen has died at the age of 69.

Tributes have been paid to Eric Norris Smith, who gained an international reputation for his bespoke diamond designs that were sought after across the globe.

Born in the Ralston area of Paisley on June 1, 1949, Eric was one of two children to Margaret and Alexander Smith.

He met his wife Yvonne through a youth fellowship group in 1966 and the couple married in 1972.

Yvonne joined Eric in the business in 1979 and they ran Eric N Smith Diamond and Designs in Newton Mearns until the couple retired in 2018, closing the doors for the final time after 45 years.

Barrhead News:

It marked the end of a rewarding career serving the community of East Renfrewshire and beyond.

Eric, who learned his craft at Glasgow School of Art, designed and manufactured diamond pieces for retailers before launching his own store.

Among those to wear his designs were the Queen and the Princess Royal.

Eric was twice named Designer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards and drew global attention for his Morse Collection of rings and bracelets, with diamond dots and dashes set in Morse code messages.

He was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, in Glasgow, last month after taking ill and died last Wednesday, with Yvonne by his side.

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw described Eric as one of Scotland’s “most formidable jewellers”.

He said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Eric Smith.

“Together with his wife Yvonne, Eric built up a hugely-successful business in Newton Mearns, together with an international reputation as a designer and manufacturer of award-winning jewellery. He had huge enthusiasm and energy.”

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