Shimansky

A guide to buying diamonds and Tanzanite

Mon - Sun | 09:00 - 21:00
 
+27 (0)21 421 2788
Level 1 | The Clock Tower | Waterfront | V&A Waterfront
http://shimansky.co.za
enquiries@shimansky.co.za
Shimansky
shimansky.sa

A guide to buying diamonds and Tanzanite

All you need to know about buying jewellery in Cape Town

Last updated: 28 March 2023

With so many visitors buying diamond and Tanzanite jewellery in Cape Town, it was our team's goal to build a simple yet expert guide to buying these precious gems.  

What makes a “good” diamond? The aesthetics are important, but also significant is the value. Four “Cs” determine this, and these are the fundamentals you should know when selecting your diamond, according to South African diamond expert, Yair Shimansky.


The patented Millennium diamond ring is an original and iconic Shimansky design. The two bands represent the coming together of two lives, joined by a beautiful diamond in the middle that becomes a symbol of forever. Image: Shimansky

THE EXPERTS WE ASKED FOR ADVICE

​​Shimansky is one of the most trusted diamond jewellery brands in South Africa. Experts in the diamond and Tanzanite industry for more than two decades, Shimansky is motivated to capture your special moments with beautiful crafted jewellery that will last a lifetime.

START WITH THE 4 Cs (+ 1 EXTRA)

There are four key factors that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the worth of a diamond or Tanzanite: Cut, colour, clarity and carat. And then one more “C” – Confidence. This weighs up the ethicality of a stone’s origin and its journey. Here's what these key factors mean and how to apply them when purchasing your next diamond jewellery item.


An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment. And for the rest of your days, your carefully chosen Shimansky Engagement Ring promises to be a constant reminder of the romance behind your unique journey together. Image: Shimansky

GET A GOOD CUT: IT’S (ALMOST) EVERYTHING

One of the most important C’s is the cut of a diamond. It affects how light is directed within the stone to increase (or decrease) the diamond's sparkle. Optimal proportions and symmetry result in greater light reflection, which enhances the diamond's value.


The patented one-of-a-kind My Girl diamond features a unique square cut and diamond-shaped table – the first of its kind in the world. Image: Shimansky 

WHAT IS THE "IDEAL CUT"?

The benchmark standard known as the “Ideal cut” originates from the work of the diamond designer and engineer, Marcel Tolkowsky, who calculated the optimal angle for a diamond to display its most intense fire and brilliance. Shimansky’s internationally patented cuts – Brilliant 10 and My Girl – are formulated to give the diamond more fire, brilliance and scintillation.


The cut of a diamond brings out its brilliance. This is Shimansky’s classic Victoria ring. Image: Shimansky

WHAT ABOUT TANZANITE CUTS? 

In terms of Tanzanite, if the cut is too shallow, the shade of violet or blue will be lighter and, therefore, less valuable. Generally, the deeper the cut, the more intense the colour and more valuable the stone. The shapes that yield the best intensity are the Cushion, Oval and Trillant cuts.
 

CHOOSE COLOURLESS OR RICH COLOUR 

The closer a diamond is to being absolutely colourless – with no hint of yellow or brown – the more rare and valuable it is. On the other hand, a stone with a rich yellow, orange, pink, green or blue colour is very rare, and this makes it valuable. These jewels are called Fancy Diamonds, and are even more expensive than pure white ones.


Extremely rare and valuable, natural fancy yellow diamonds sparkle with the most magical golden hues. Image: Shimansky

The colour of Tanzanite is predominantly blue or violet, and the more intense this is, the more rare and valuable. What sets this gem apart from many others is the fact that it is trichroic, meaning it displays three colours – violet, blue and red – when viewed from three different angles.


One thousand times rarer than diamonds, Tanzanite is a truly unique African gemstone, with an exceptionally brilliant blue-violet colour. Image: Shimansky

BUY AS CLOSE TO FLAWLESS AS POSSIBLE

Diamonds and Tanzanite may show minute traces of other minerals, which appear as natural imperfections known as inclusions. A stone is rated according to inclusions, known as the “clarity factor”, which gives an indication of how many of these marks there are. The more clear or flawless a diamond is, the more desirable and valuable.


Try for as clear a diamond as you can afford – the less flaws, the more valuable. Image: Shimansky


CHOOSE THE BIGGEST CARAT YOU CAN AFFORD

The carat indicates the weight of a diamond, with one carat being equal to 200mg. The larger the diamond, the higher its carat weight and the greater its price and worth. 

However, the value of a stone is not only determined by carat size, but by all of the factors above. So you may, for example, decide to buy a smaller diamond with high clarity and colour or you may opt for a bigger diamond with lower colour and clarity.


One carat is equal to 200mg, and that applies to both diamonds and Tanzanite. Image: Shimansky

WHY TO OPT FOR TANZANITE

Tanzanite is 1 000 times rarer than a diamond and, with only one known source to date, it’s predicted that within the next 10 to 12 years, no more gem-quality Tanzanite will be found. This is why it is possibly a good investment.


THERE IS 1 MORE IMPORTANT “C”

This is the confidence factor. It’s not yet an official “C” but is still a widely accepted one, and refers to the amount of confidence you have in the jeweller you’re buying from and the assurance that a diamond is as valuable as it’s claimed to be. 

The stone should be certified by an independent diamond body, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), and it should come with an authentic certificate, which breaks down the 4 Cs. 


It’s important that the diamond is certified, from its history through to the value. Image: Shimansky

WHERE TO FIND A SHIMANSKY STORE 

Shimansky, V&A Waterfront 

Shop 6259, Upper Level

Opening hours: daily 9 am - 9 pm

Shimansky, Rockwell

Corner of Prestwich and Alfred Street, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm

Shimansky Showroom

Level 1, The Clocktower, V&A Waterfront

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 9am – 9pm

Email: enquiries@shimansky.co.za (feel free to contact them with your requests or questions before you visit)

Follow Shimansky on Instagram: @shimansky.sa

---

DISCOVER MORE WAYS TO SPOIL YOURSELF

Here's everything you need to know about the Cape Town Ring.

Shimansky stores are full of jewels for special moments.

You can also take a tour of the workshop.

Looking for a spot to propose? Here are some of the most romantic dining options.

Shimansky’s showroom is in the V&A Waterfront; here’s a guide to the precinct.

---

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
September 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Heritage Day 2023 Bo-Kaap Cape MalayThings to do this Heritage Day

Celebrate Heritage this weekend, from Cape Malay to DJ Kent

Cafe Extrablatt verandaAll you can eat breakfast buffet every ...

A bottomless buffet, free wifi and a vibey shisha lounge

Makers Landing live jazz FridaysWinter experiences at the V&A ...

Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront

SotanoEnd Your Weekend On A High Note At ...

Share a meal with friends, listen to live reggae + watch the sunset over the sea

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

mischu breakfast specialWeekends are for mischu

Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Cheverells FarmGo for a drive to this apple farm in ...

From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Distiller's UnionMake your unique brand of gin

At Distiller’s Union you get to also pick the flavour, colour

Sweet River Brewery ingredientsBook out this distillery for your next ...

Make your own at Distillers Union + get pizza

StrollaGet Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...

Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)

Festival of YellowThe Festival of Yellow, celebrating the ...

10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway

Islands on the River 2023Islands on the River is spring’s ...

4-day journey of music and connection at this festival

Cheverells FarmAll the seasons of Cheverells Farm

Apple picking in summer and winter stay special

Honeybee Heroes Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...

Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips