DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF AFRICA’S RICHES THROUGH SHIMANSKY’S SIGNATURE JEWELLERY

Africa is known for its beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife and, of course, a wealth of reserves hidden beneath its soil. From the strongest stone in the world, the exquisite diamond, gold and platinum, to tanzanite – Africa’s rarest gem. The continent’s resources are celebrated in a range of beautiful Shimansky creations. The materials are ethically sourced, and the pieces are meticulously crafted by the hands of Shimansky’s master craftsman. Let’s explore the beauty of Africa’s riches and the technical precision behind the creation of Shimansky’s masterpieces. We invite you to visit one of our showrooms to view our collection of fine signature South African jewellery.

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS

Currently, diamond mining in Africa produces around half of the world's diamonds. The discovery of the first diamond in South Africa in the late 1800s made diamonds more attainable to the middle class and changed the worldwide diamond industry forever. The South African diamond industry took the entire world by storm as South Africa became one of the major diamond suppliers worldwide. Up until today, Africa remains one of the biggest suppliers of diamonds globally with Kimberley being one of the most sought-after diamond mining areas in the country. Having our roots here on the southern tip of the majestic African continent, Shimansky is proud to create some of the world’s most beautiful diamond jewellery. Our passion for the exquisite nature of this valuable resource is evident in the care taken to bring out the very best in every diamond we procure.

Unique among jewellers, Shimansky has the privilege to source diamonds directly from South African mines. Handpicking our diamonds gives us complete control over every stage in the stone’s journey. We source, cut and polish our diamonds, which allows us to give our clients a 100% guarantee of the origin of their diamonds. Apart from traceability, Shimansky’s procurement of rough diamonds has always been done ethically. Ethical diamonds or conflict-free diamonds follow a journey from mine to finger where human rights and regulations are strictly adhered to without any exploitation or illegal activity along the way. This ensures that each diamond jewellery creation is a true symbol of love, respect and devotion, reflecting the passion we have for the beautiful country we live in.

PIONEERS OF PLATINUM

South Africa is known for containing the world’s richest platinum reserves. The country is home to 80% of the world’s platinum production. Platinum is one of the most precious metals in the world. Due to its unique qualities, it is a preferred choice for use in diamond jewellery. The metal is noble, strong, durable, hypoallergenic, and pure and it goes perfectly with a diamond. Platinum is also considered to be extremely rare, making it one of the most highly sought-after metals in the world. 

Despite all of this, it wasn’t until Shimansky pioneered the use of platinum in jewellery making in South Africa that platinum jewellery was available to the local market. CEO and founder, Yair Shimansky started the platinum revolution in South African jewellery after a visit to the US. Here, Shimansky came across the metal’s extraordinary qualities. With most of the world’s supply coming from South Africa it was the perfect match for Shimansky; the relationship between the two led to Shimansky becoming one of the world’s top platinum specialists and creator of the finest platinum jewellery.

TANZANITE FROM MOUNT KILIMANJARO

The single known source of Tanzanite is deep in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Described as a ‘geological phenomenon’, tanzanite is a thousand times more rare than diamonds. Testimony to its rarity it remained unknown until 1967 when it was discovered.

Various stories and myths exist among the local people in Tanzania as to how this precious gem came about. Stories are told about an act of God that is believed to have formed this precious gemstone. Lightning strikes set the surrounding hills alight and when the fires burnt out and the earth cooled down, rocks deep inside the earth turned blue. Local Tanzanian people also believe that the stone carries unique spiritual properties and that tanzanite heightens spiritual growth.

This enchanting gemstone, a variety of the mineral zoisite, has become one of the most intriguing and desirable precious gemstones of modern times. Its colour, varying from blue to violet, or deep purple, displays magnificently when set against the bright shine of gold or platinum. Shimansky tanzanite jewellery, the Ayanda – The Queen of Tanzanite collection, is extremely valuable and coveted, both for their exceptional beauty and the gem’s rarity.

SIGNATURE SOUTH AFRICAN RINGS

As premier creators of signature South African jewellery, we aspire for our creations to reflect the magnificent beauty of our country and its people. Our diamond designs are our gift and serve as a token of South Africa’s warmth, wealth and natural wonders.

The My Africa collection, featuring the unique Tip of Africa ring, is inspired by the splendour of our country. Shaped in the outline of the African continent, it showcases the spectacular view of Cape Point, a magical location at the base of the continent, where two oceans meet.

Known for its innovative design and superior artistry, the signature Shimansky Millennium Diamond Engagement Ring is iconic in its own right. The two bands, joined by a beautiful diamond in the middle, represent the coming together of two lives. As the most coveted diamond ring in South Africa, it is a beautiful reminder of the wealth and beauty of its birthplace.

The classic My Girl Diamond Solitaire Ring in platinum is another proudly South African creation. Featuring the world-renowned, internationally patented My Girl diamond – the first diamond cut patent to originate from South Africa, it is truly one of a kind. Worn as a constant reminder of the special moment it represents, it has the magic to take you to that special moment, and place, every time you glance at it.

THE DIAMOND EXPERIENCE

The only of its kind in Cape Town, the Cape Town Diamond Museum pays tribute to the world’s oldest and most precious gemstone, the diamond. The museum, a gift from Shimansky to the City of Cape Town, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating an appreciation for diamonds.

During a tour of the Cape Town Diamond Museum, you will witness a fascinating three-billion-year-old story unfold as you are taken through a diamond’s journey: From its creation deep inside the Earth to the mine, to its proud place in a prestigious Shimansky jewellery setting.

The Shimanksy Diamond Experience takes you back in time as you learn about one of the most significant happenings in South African history, the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley, the subsequent Kimberley Diamond Rush and how South Africa became one of the world’s top diamond-producing countries.

Visitors also get a behind-the-scenes peek into Shimansky’s Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Workshop where diamond cutters are at work creating Shimansky’s iconic jewellery masterpieces. We invite you to book a Shimansky Diamond Experience at our V&A Waterfront showroom.

FIND A SOUTH AFRICAN TREASURE AT SHIMANSKY

Shimansky diamond and tanzanite jewellery inspire an appreciation of the magnificence of Africa’s wealth and natural wonders. We invite you to visit one of our Shimansky showrooms to view our collection of fine signature South African jewellery, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail to bring out the true beauty of its materials.