In 1905 Sidney Greaves, a mere 14 years old, set out alone from the UK to South Africa. His first job was with a pawn broker in Johannesburg and from there continued to learn and grow until he realised his dream when in 1920 he founded the first of many Greaves enterprises. In 1955 Sidney was joined by his son Robert and together with their shared passion, worked together until Sidney's retirement in 1967.
The business continued to prosper and in 1979 Robert established Greaves Exports as it is known today. Robert was appointed by Sotheby’s Johannesburg in October 1975 as their valuator for all diamond jewellery going on auction and remained in this position until his retirement.