Shimansky Diamond Showroom and Workshop

An interactive approach to diamonds and jewellery in Cape Town

Yair Shimansky's fascination with diamonds began during a two-year stay in Tokyo where the demand for quality diamonds is high and was further explored during his tenure in the Middle East. A combination of his hunger for learning has resulted in a range of internationally patented diamond cuts and jewellery brands across their stores in South Africa.

His flagship showroom and workshop at the Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is testament to his interactive and informative approach to diamonds and jewellery. Besides shopping for bespoke jewellery visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and manufacturing process on a voyage of diamond discovery.

Contemporary, classic designs and international patents

An Ideal Scope viewer (magnifying glass) in the diamond showroom allows visitors to observe diamonds including the perfectly proportioned Eight Hearts diamond which displays eight arrows and eight hearts. Even more mesmerising is the newly launched Brilliant 10 diamond that displays 10 perfect arrows and 10 perfect hearts. It’s also worth checking out the internationally patented My Girl Diamond which displays a diamond shaped table and sparkles from every angle. You'll also find signature designs including The Millenium Diamond Ring which consists of two parallel bands on which the diamond rests and the Evolym Ring (‘my love’ spelt backwards) which consists of a solitaire diamond (a single diamond set alone) secured between three bands.

Whilst perusing the diamond showroom, look out for the beaded Ralph Lauren dress and the 47ct Emerald Cut Diamond worn by Charlize Theron in celebration of her Oscar win for 'Monster'. The South African born actress is not the only celebrity to own Shimansky's designs.

A diamond education

From Bushmen to the De Beers Empire the diamond museum details fascinating accounts and illustrations of the discovery of diamonds in South Africa, mining and the famous faces that shaped the diamond industry. The museum displays replicas of world famous diamonds including the Cullinan 1 which is the second largest polished diamond in the world at 530.4cts.

Free tours of the diamond workshop are ideal for a day out with the girls or for those wanting to make an informed decision before they buy. You'll get a behind the scenes look at the painstaking processes that form each sparkling piece of jewellery including craftsmen at work fashioning gem stone cradles and cutters shaping intricate facets. You'll find out interesting facts including how cut, clarity, carat and colour affects the value of a diamond.

Discussing bespoke designs over a glass of fine South African wine or a cup of coffee
If you're buying jewellery to mark a special occasion it will be one of the most important decisions that you make in your lifetime. Whilst the diamond tour equips you with the ability to make an informed decision you can also have a one-to-one consultation to discuss your ideas with Shimansky in an informal setting with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.

An Australian man was so overwhelmed by ring choices on his visit to Shimansky, that Ester suggested he first buy the diamond and present it to his soon to be fiancé. During a romantic Sunday lunch at the top of Table Mountain he opened the box containing a sparkling Shimansky diamond. After she said yes to his proposal the couple returned to Shimansky where a ring was designed to match her specific requirements. It was manufactured within a day to meet their time constraints.

Shimansky diamonds are laser inscribed with an independent international certificate number on the girdle and registered designs are protected by the Copyright Act. Diamonds are certified by the Gemmological Institute of America and the European Gemmological Laboratory to ensure quality.

By Lisa Nevitt

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