Shimansky, South Africa’s diamond pioneer

Iconic world firsts, rare Tanzanite & immersive diamond experiences

Last updated: Friday, 5 September 2025 

The world’s most brilliant diamond cut, which reflects up to 25% more light, was created in South Africa, as was the first patented cut with a unique diamond shaped table, famous worldwide for reflecting light with every move you make. Shimansky has become a South African success story with a global reputation for excellence, with world-first diamond cuts, all meticulously crafted in-house from mine to masterpiece. 

Shimansky has become a South African success story with a global reputation for excellence. Image: Shimansky

THE ORIGIN OF SHIMANSKY

The Shimansky story began in 1991, when founder and CEO Yair Shimansky arrived in South Africa after two years in Japan, where he studied the science of light and diamond optics and was deeply influenced by Japanese culture. 

“The Japanese spend most of their time perfecting their craft. If you're a sushi chef, you spend two years learning how to cut sushi, and you can taste the difference,” he says.

He started designing jewellery, selling it at a flea market before opening a small mall store. 

Since then, the Shimansky brand has gained international renown, with a flagship boutique at the V&A Waterfront, and exclusive diamond experiences in the heart of Cape Town.

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS, MASTERFULLY CRAFTED

Every Shimansky diamond is ethically sourced from South African mines and cut and polished in their Cape Town workshop (unlike many jewellers who do this externally). This rare start-to-finish approach guarantees the highest quality at every step, while master artisans transform these diamonds into timeless jewellery designs. 

“When you talk about handcrafted jewellery, a piece of the craftsman and soul is put into the ring,” says Yair Shimansky. “It has more feeling than something mass-produced or machine-made. The craft brings the soul to anything that is touched.”

Shimansky is one of the few jewellers licensed to buy and polish rough diamonds, giving them full control from mine to masterpiece. They have their own polishing workshop to cut diamonds in a way that maximises their brilliance, setting a new standard in the industry.

Find out what makes a good diamond in our guide to these precious gems. 

Every Shimansky diamond is ethically sourced from South African mines and cut and polished in-house, where it is masterfully set into timeless pieces. Image: Shimansky

ICONIC SHIMANSKY PATENTS   

Not only is every single piece made in-house from start to finish, many of Shimansky’s diamond cuts are world-first patented designs. 

MILLENNIUM RING

A popular choice for engagements, the iconic Millennium Ring has two bands symbolising two lives joined by a single diamond. And although the diamond appears floating, it is meticulously secured, blending clever design with expert craftsmanship. See the full Millennium Ring collection. 

The Millennium Ring has two bands symbolising two lives joined by a single diamond. Image: Shimansky

BRILLIANT 10

The Brilliant 10 features 71 perfectly aligned facets for unmatched sparkle. Recognised as the most brilliant cut in the world, it reflects up to 25% more light than standard round cuts with almost no light leakage. Read more about exclusive Shimansky diamond cuts. 

MY GIRL DIAMOND 

The My Girl diamond is the first internationally patented cut to originate from South Africa. With its unique diamond-shaped table, the My Girl reflects light with every move you make. The perfect balance of fire, brilliance and scintillation. Only a handful of South African rough diamonds make the cut to become a My Girl, and up to half the stone is trimmed away to create its sparkle.

The diamond is set in rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants, making it the perfect symbol to mark life’s most precious milestones. Browse the My Girl Diamond collection. 

You can view these breathtaking world firsts at Shimansky’s Cape Town Showrooms. 

Shimansky is known for patented designs and diamond cuts that are world firsts. Image: Shimansky

A TRIBUTE TO CAPE TOWN  

Just as unique are the iconic pieces that are a love letter to Cape Town, turning its beauty and heritage into wearable art. 

Inspired by the mountain’s famous silhouette, the Table Mountain Ring features 27 pavé-set diamonds and is available in white, yellow or rose gold, with the option of a brilliant-cut diamond in a Swiss setting to symbolise the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. See the Table Mountain Ring.

The Cape Town Ring captures the essence of the city, where mountain, ocean, and urban energy converge. Available in various precious metals, with three settings (solitaire, bezel or pavé) to suit any style, gender or budget, find your ideal Cape Town Ring.

Jewellery pieces that pay tribute to Cape Town. Image: Shimansky

TANZANITE, RARER THAN DIAMONDS  

Shimansky is also home to some of the world’s finest Tanzanite pieces. Tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamonds and found only in one place on Earth. 

Its beauty lies in a deep ocean-blue hue with flashes of violet, and its limited supply (expected to run out this century) makes it a meaningful souvenir, gift or investment. 

Shimansky’s collection is curated for its colour, quality and vibrancy, all cut and set in-house to showcase Tanzanite’s vivid beauty in contemporary, timeless designs. 

See what to look for and pieces to invest in in our feature: A guide to buying Tanazanite. 

Tanzanite is 1 000 times rarer than diamonds and found only in one place on Earth. Image: Shimansky

IMMERSIVE DIAMOND EXPERIENCES

You can visit their workshops where these iconic jewellery pieces are made at the Shimansky Diamond Experiences. 

You’ll learn about the history of South African diamonds, see diamond cutting, and immerse yourself in a private jewellery shopping experience in their glamorous showroom. 

You can even polish your own diamond at Shimansky’s Diamond Experience at The Rockwell. 

You can polish your own diamond at the Shimansky Diamond Experience. Image: Shimansky

VISIT SHIMANSKY

Shimansky’s journey is one of dedication, artistry and vision. It’s why collectors and romantics choose them, not just for the beauty of their creations, but for the trust, story, and soul behind each piece. 

Book a consultation: Shimansky’s website
Locations: Shop 7228, V&A Waterfront | The Clock Tower, Waterfront | The Rockwell, Green Point
Connect with Shimansky: 082 888 8888, @shimanskyjewellery, Shimansky website

By Saarah Gierdien

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MORE ON DIAMONDS 

Everything you need to know about buying diamonds in our guide. 

Have you ever visited The Cape Town Diamond Museum? 

There’s sparkling jewellery & luxury finishes at Shimansky’s V&A boutique.

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