Shimansky
Shimansky is a South African diamond jewellery brand founded in Cape Town in 1991 by Yair Shimansky. It designs and cuts diamonds in house and sells engagement rings and fine jewellery through its showrooms in Cape Town and New York.
| Founded | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Yair Shimansky |
| Base | Cape Town, South Africa |
| International showroom | Fifth Avenue, New York (2017) |
| Website | shimansky.com |
What is Shimansky?
Shimansky is a jewellery house from Cape Town, South Africa, focused on diamonds. Founder and chief executive Yair Shimansky started the business in 1991, first selling jewellery at a craft market, then from a small mall outlet, before opening the first Shimansky boutique in 1994.
History
In 1998 Shimansky began buying rough diamonds directly from the Kimberley mines, and in 1999 it set up its first diamond polishing workshop. Its My Girl diamond cut, patented in 2003, is described as the first South African diamond cut patent. The company opened a showroom on Fifth Avenue in New York in 2017.
Products and positioning
- Engagement rings and wedding bands
- Diamond and tanzanite jewellery, plus platinum pieces
- Collections such as Millennium, My Girl, Evolym, Brilliant 10 and Cape Town
- Bespoke design
Diamonds are cut and polished in house, and the company runs diamond experiences and tours in Cape Town, including the Cape Town Diamond Museum.
Why it matters
Shimansky is one of South Africa's best known jewellery brands, combining local diamond sourcing, cutting and retail in one business and using tourism experiences as a sales channel.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Shimansky?
Shimansky was founded in Cape Town in 1991 by Yair Shimansky, who remains chief executive.
What is Shimansky known for?
Shimansky is known for diamond engagement rings and jewellery, and for its own patented diamond cuts such as My Girl.