A short history

Even though, these days, the name Shimansky might be associated with ultimate glamour and grace – even boasting a showroom on New York’s famous 5th Avenue – it comes from surprisingly humble beginnings. Founder and CEO, Yair Shimansky, was born in Israel in 1967 to a sea captain father and full-time mother. From the tender age of 3 months, he started seeing the world aboard his father’s ship and, so doing fell in love with travel. At the age of 22, Yair spent two years in Japan learning the intricacies of various qualities and types of diamond and diamond cuts. He became fascinated with the way in which jewellery and diamonds possesses the special power of expressing emotion and symbolising the special milestones in people’s lives.

From that moment on, he has been on an unstoppable quest to learn everything there is to know about the jewellery and diamond industry. In 1991, on a visit to his parents he met the woman who was later to become his wife, and decided to make South Africa his home. It is also here that he established his business, starting out with a flea market stall on the Durban beachfront. By 1994, the first standalone Shimansky store opened and, under the guidance and leadership of a passionate CEO, the business grew into the luxury brand it is today: South Africa’s unrivalled Platinum and Diamond pioneer. For Shimansky, passion, dedication, and integrity are as important to the creative process as skill and expertise. When buying a diamond from Shimansky, you are buying more than just a diamond - you are investing in a “moment of fire” that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Go on a diamond tour with Shimansky

With such a fascinating story, it just seems right that Shimansky’s flagship store in Green Point, Cape Town has opened its doors to diamond-lovers from all corners of the world to embed themselves more deeply in the magic of these gems.
Visitors have the option of joining two different tours:

Option 1: Shimansky Rockwell Experience

The diamond tour takes place at the Shimansky store at the Rockwell, 32 Prestwich Street in Green Point Cape Town. It is a 45-minute experience which includes an informative talk on the history and heritage diamonds, and the Shimansky brand. Guests will also see the cutting and polishing of diamonds in the onsite factory. You can also opt to include a wine, whiskey or gin tasting (all locally sourced) for a cost of R 100 per person. An additional offering is the setting of a loose diamond of the guest’s choice into one of the settings on display. This will be completed in an hour subject to terms and conditions. Guests are offered the opportunity to polish their own diamond under the guidance of our diamond craftsmen. This experience is by APPOINTMENT ONLY (48 hours notification prior) and at a cost of +- $100 per person.

Option 2: Shimansky & The Cape Town Diamond Museum

This option combines the experience above with a visit to The Cape Town Diamond Museum, located at the V&A Waterfront Clocktower. The 45-minute museum tour will take guests through the history of diamonds dating back to 3.3 billion years ago, including the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1867 as well as a collection of unique artefacts from the early days of diamond mining. They will also be able to view a replica mine shaft.

Get in touch with us to arrange your sparkling Shimansky Experience. Explore with us. We do it differently.