Bespoke Brilliance & Beauty

The Shimansky Rockwell Diamond Experience in the Cape Town CBD is notable for many things – interactive tours of their jewellery manufacturing facility and a chance to experience their mesmerizing Secret Diamond Chamber, among them – but what truly makes it unique is the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated Shimansky team to have a custom jewellery item designed, created and delivered, within 48 hours.

The bespoke items can be created with true fire at their hearts, courtesy of a choice of diamonds from South Africa’s largest selection of top quality GIA certified loose diamonds. The interactive jewellery design studio involves visitors in the co-creation of their very own personalised diamond or Tanzanite masterpiece, alongside one of Shimansky’s talented designers, before the design is stunningly brought to life by the team of expert craftsmen.

The plush facility, hidden within the Rockwell Hotel, is home to one of two Shimansky manufacturing facilities in Cape Town – the other being in the Clock Tower precinct at the V&A Waterfront. It’s here that a select group of Shimansky craftsmen cut and polish the brand’s trademark loose stones and fashion them into unique, exquisite jewellery items.

In true Shimansky style, the adjacent showroom is a temple to the majesty of all that sparkles. It’s here that two worldwide patent cuts – My Girl (the world’s first square-cut diamond with a diamond-shaped table) and Brilliant 10 (which offers up to 25% more ‘sparkle’ than any other diamond cut in the world) – are showcased in exquisite gold and platinum settings designed by founder Yair Shimansky and his team.

The showroom is also home to items crafted with Tanzanite, the only truly home-grown gem from the continent, as well as mesmerizing items crafted to highlight the rare beauty of Natural Fancy Colour diamonds – the rarest and most valuable of stones.

While selecting a designer item from the Shimansky collection or contemplating one of their own designs, guests can relax in the stylish bar and enjoy a multi-sensory South African experience with craft gin, wine or whiskey tasting experiences. At the heart of the Experience is the ‘Secret Diamond Chamber’ reserved for smaller groups of up to 5 guests at a time, which is as exclusive and magical as the name suggests – and begs exploration.

Located in the stylish Rockwell Hotel in De Waterkant, the Shimansky Rockwell Diamond Experience operates 7 days a week. Booking for visits is essential.  www.shimansky.com.

Written by Trevor Crighton

Images: Supplied