03 / ROMANCING
04 / SEVEN LUXURY
05 / PERSONAL
12 / DIAMONDS
14 / THE ART
THE STONE
EXPERIENCES
FACETS
OF THE SOUTH
OF CRAFT
The journey of Yair Shimansky
Explore Cape Town’s opulent heart
Discover your perfect diamond cut
An in-depth look at the story of diamonds in South Africa
Masters of the world of wine, art and music
CAPTIVATED The Shimansky Publication
Welcome
W
elcome to Captivated. This publication offers a moment to pause and appreciate the beautiful things in life, the precious things. Dotted all throughout our lives, these moments mould souls, people and partners. Shimansky is a company that I have cultivated over many years. It has been my passion and influenced me in return, nurturing my understanding of the connection between jewellery and people. We have come to understand the importance of treasuring the highlights life surprises us with. Falling in love, getting engaged, celebrating an anniversary; these moments define who we are. We mark our years in the business with this milestone, which we hope will inspire you to continue to marvel at life’s journey.Â
Our story
ROMANCING THE STONE How Yair Shimansky’s adoration for diamonds has brought countless couples a meaningful way to celebrate their love
T
he story of the Shimansky company is that of one man, its founder, Yair Shimansky. It is a tale punctuated with international travel, dazzling diamonds and a love story, all of which have polished Shimansky into who he is today.
After developing a passion for the diamond world during a period spent in Japan, Shimansky began his journey with the jewel-studded lands of South Africa. Here, he ventured into handcrafted jewellery trading, a business that flourished. South Africa and Shimansky’s work became inextricably tied when Shimansky met his future wife, who would bond him with the country in a whole new way. This event perfectly rounded out the company’s origin story, nestling a tale of personal romance at its heart. Over the years, Shimansky acquired an eye for carefully selecting the finest diamonds, and became a skilled artisan, developing many signature cuts. Shimansky’s insatiable pursuit of perfection, combined with his ability to recognise the innate character of
a diamond in its nuances, fuels his finest creations. The My Girl® and Brilliant 10® diamonds; the Millennium®, Evolym® and Two Hearts® rings: this captures Shimansky’s spirit of love and elegance. Today, Shimansky boutiques adorn many South African metropoles. The flagship store at the Clock Tower Waterfront in Cape Town illuminates the journey of the diamond, with a jewellery design and manufacturing workshop and diamond cutting and polishing factory in full view. This is accompanied by the Cape Town Diamond Museum, which is devoted to the history of diamonds in South Africa and illustrates the close relationship Shimansky has with his adopted country. It has been almost a quarter of a century since Shimansky began his endeavour. His company has become South Africa’s most recognised and respected luxury design brand. It is through a sincere love of the diamond’s allure that Shimansky has been able to bring countless people a way to celebrate life’s special moments. WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 3
7 Lifestyle
LUXURY experiences 01. The Table Bay Hotel is the scenic setting of one of Cape Town’s best High Tea venues. Indulge in the finest handcrafted pastries while absorbing the seaside breeze and a magnificent view of Table Mountain. www.suninternational.com
01.
03. Discover the world of diamonds on a diamond experience tour in the V&A Waterfront’s Clock Tower Precinct. The opulently designed Shimansky showroom offers a sumptuous journey of indulgence. www.shimansky.com 03.
02.
02. Part of Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s elaborate empire and his debut restaurant in Africa, Nobu is a go-to gastronomic sensation at One & Only Hotel in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. www.noburestaurants.com
04.
SPEND EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK ENJOYING THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE IN AND AROUND THE V&A WATERFRONT
05.
4 | CAPTIVATED
06.
07.
04. Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, the luxury
Tigger 2 Royale charter offers special moments to experience with friends and family while enjoying endless bubbly. www.tiggertoo.co.za
07. The presidential suite at the V&A’s Queen Victoria Hotel is where classic meets contemporary design. This tranquil haven radiates opulence and is one of the best five-star luxury hotels in Cape Town. www.newmarkhotels.com
Cape Wheel Photograph: Razzel/Shutterstock, Inc.
06. Experience world-class pampering of body and soul at the Spa at Cape Grace. Try a Kalahari signature treatment, or a facial with QMS Medicosmetics anti-ageing products. www.capegrace.com
05. Offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Mother City, the famous Cape Wheel is a scenic and picturesque experience, especially when enjoyed from a VIP car. www.capewheel.co.za
Jewels
PERSONAL FACETS A sacred bond between nature and mankind is mirrored most beautifully in the harmony of a diamond
N
ature is an enigmatic force. It creates and it takes away; with the passage of time, beauty develops. As with everything in nature there exists a perfect symmetry; the petals of a flower mirror the circular balance of the many facets inherent in a diamond. Each petal slowly unfurls to let in the sunlight; when it is unearthed, each diamond’s light glimmers from beneath its rough exterior, revealed only through the careful work of the most skilled jewellery craftsmen.
Nature’s perfect proportion is mirrored in the Shimansky Eight Hearts® diamond, which exudes a sophisticated simplicity. An acute attention to symmetry allows this true hearts and arrows diamond to display maximum radiance, attracting the traditionally elegant. Marquise and pear-shaped cuts invoke the nature of an elusive beauty, a reticent but rich personality, set in solitaire. By contrast, a warm, open person might be drawn to the Brilliant 10® diamond’s circular silhouette. The world’s most brilliant diamond, this Shimansky signature 71-faceted stone carries an infinite sparkle that speaks of everlasting confidence and beauty. Square cuts, such as the princess cut, the cushion cut or the My Girl® signature diamond cut, the world’s first square-cut diamond with a diamond-shaped table, are classic, destined for a young soul who craves their endearing simplicity.
“Each person falls in love with a certain diamond – in that is the magic.”
This is a metaphor that could also be applied to the human spirit. Each person is unique, in character and temperament. Some are gregarious and easy-going, others are refined and reserved.
These traits are inherent; they are established by nature from when we are born. Similarly, each diamond holds within its rough exterior an exquisite hidden wonder. As nature determines the art of each of its creations, there is an intrinsic character waiting to be discovered in each stone which, in turn, attracts a certain personality. As Shimansky says: “Each person falls in love with a certain diamond – in that is the magic.”
It is a mysterious thing, the draw of a diamond. The way light dances off each facet; the inherent appeal of its mesmerising fire, brilliance and scintillation is utterly unique to each stone; as it is in the person who wears it.
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 5
Craft
IC
by Design THE AUTHENTIC MILLENNIUM RING IS SKILFULLY CRAFTED IN A PROCESS REQUIRING FLAWLESS PRECISION AND ARTISTRY, OWNED BY SHIMANSKY’S MOST MASTERFUL CRAFTSMEN
6 | CAPTIVATED
NIC M
any millennia after a diamond’s formation comes another extraordinary moment: when a woman falls hopelessly in love with one. At Shimansky, we celebrate this moment with our dearest symbol: the handcrafted Millennium® ring, a true memento of passing time and the power of love.
The Millennium® is the quintessence of true brilliance. Viewed from any angle, the ring resembles temptation in its truest form. Its clean lines and iconic presence rests effortlessly and accurately on the hand of its owner as it fulfils its calling as a magnificent engagement ring, exemplifying the promise of a matrimonial bond. Since its creation, it has remained a monumental design and bestseller. The Millennium® is an icon of scarcity, history, craftsmanship and Yair Shimansky’s precise artistic vision. His striking designs are proof of his inexhaustible drive to innovate. “Designing jewellery is both challenging and exhilarating,” he says. With the Millennium®, which was created just before the turn of the 21st century, Shimansky wanted to encapsulate connection. “It represents a collective journey,” Shimansky explains. “Fate joins a man and a woman through a diamond, binding the two: it symbolises the merging of two hearts.”
After the Millennium® was conceptualised, Shimansky’s skilful craftsmen brought it to life. “It is an exceptionally precise ring to produce,” Shimansky explains. “The two bands are joined by a diamond in the centre, representing the bond of love between husband and wife.” Shaping a diamond is a delicate process; it takes up to two days to polish a one-carat diamond. The machine for this task consists of a flat disk that polishes the edge of the diamond while turning at 4 000 rpm. “You have to have a natural talent for the craft of diamond shaping – if you make a mistake, you cannot polish it back,” Shimansky says. “If you could find a way to put back what’s lost, you’d be very rich!” Visitors to the V&A Waterfront Clock Tower Shimansky showroom can observe the creation of these sophisticated temptations. The romantic shimmer of a diamond is the result of how light
“Facet by facet we maximise the diamond’s potential,” says Shimansky. “As we polish, it is unveiled.”
bounces off the stone. When one angle is altered, the polisher compensates by changing another. “The work is very specialised,” Shimansky explains. “The optics of the diamond is improved to maximise brilliance. I call it the art of shaping light.” The facets of a carefully polished diamond create different intensities, shapes and contrasts. “Facet by facet we maximise the diamond’s potential,” he says. “As we polish, it is unveiled.”
Shaping is only the first part of the process. After it is hewn and flawlessly polished, the stone goes to the jeweller to be paired with platinum and crafted into an enthralling, tantalising piece of jewellery. Platinum holds a special place in the house of Shimansky. The pioneer of platinum in South Africa, Shimansky leads the way in the evolution of this noble metal to become a treasured part of the jewellery world. A ring will take its place as a family heirloom, passed down to generations to come. One thing that will remain, however, will be the sentiment and emotion. It is with care and accuracy that its true value is reflected, fitting as a genuine symbol of love. “It will be on a woman’s finger for the rest of her life,” Shimansky says. “Because of this, we invest in what we do. Every creation we design comes with a piece of Shimansky that goes with it.”
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 7
THE JOURNEY
OF A DIAMOND
8 | CAPTIVATED
Diamonds
E
very year, thousands of diamonds are discovered in the dusty soils of South Africa’s mining country. Here, vast swathes of grassland are interspersed with the occasional wandering ostrich; trees lean at strange angles against the background of low-slung hills. It is hard to imagine that beneath this peculiar landscape lies some of nature’s most exquisite creations. Diamonds are first drawn from the earth in rough form. In myriad shades and shapes, their muted sparkle offers only a hint at what might lie within. Each carries unique characteristics that will soon be realised in the hands of skilled craftsmen. One day, this gemstone will become a symbol of the grace and fortitude of love, a symbol of the infinite, boldly displayed on a woman’s finger. Along the road to Kimberley lies the small farming town of Wolmaransstad. During the great diamond rush, it lay on the postal route between Johannesburg and Kimberley. Today, it remains at the heart of the South African diamond industry. Yair Shimansky travels here every few weeks to see what new discoveries have been unearthed from the soil. “I see around 100 000 carats per trip,” he says of these visits. Less than a handful of jewellers worldwide have the knowledge and ability to access diamonds in the rough; Shimansky is one of these few. “We see the stones before anyone else,” he says. What will be found on such a trip is as spontaneous as what nature itself chooses to reveal in the mines. Formed deep within the Earth’s core, a diamond works its way upward in molten form, hardening near the surface to become kimberlite. These creations can result in a multitude of incarnations; from crystal-clear white diamonds to the rich yellow or rare pink of natural fancy coloured diamonds. “We find fascinating stones sometimes,” Shimansky says. “You never know what you will find in nature.” Like the earth from which it is formed, a rough diamond belies its true nature; it can appear cloudy, its angles asymmetrical. Modern technology is often utilised to help analyse a stone’s potential. But to Shimansky’s trained eye,
the beauty within is unmistakable. Even using a loupe to examine the stone requires inherent skill. “You have to be able to pinpoint where to look in a stone to see the diamond,” Shimansky explains. “You need to feel the stone; you need to develop a vision for it.” There are a multitude of reasons a rough diamond might speak to a jeweller. Often rarity drives this decision; an understanding of how the diamond will evolve as it is crafted is essential. “The stone takes shape during the cutting and polishing process,” Shimansky explains. “Sometimes the colour improves. Sometimes there are hidden inclusions.” Ultimately, choosing the most precious stone is a careful game of chance and skill, fuelled by refined instincts. “It’s like an artist looking at a blank canvas,” Shimansky says. “It’s open to interpretation.” The true test of Shimansky’s judgement is revealed when his master craftsmen lovingly coax the jewel into its purest realisation. Within the rough stone lies nature’s blueprint. With care, time and expert skill, the diamond will be revealed as an object of true brilliance. It will find its home in a setting that most suits it, similarly achieved from instinct and care. Brought together, the ring and its jewel will be joined in harmony, suited to hold the same intensity that is found in the bond between lovers. What draws one person to another is as mysterious as the diamond itself. Like someone examining a diamond ring, carefully feeling its weight, absorbing the way light bounces off each facet, two people will carefully feel out their attraction, evaluating the strength of their bond. Like molten kimberlite, love starts out fluid and driven by heat, until it hardens into something of extraordinary strength and exquisite beauty. This is the final stage of the diamond’s odyssey: when it finds its human match. Was it destined that this creation from the core of the Earth, this piece of lattice carbon, would be the item that symbolises the strength and beauty of a couple’s singular devotion? Perhaps this jewel was always meant to be theirs, from when it was first formed beneath the Earth’s crust billions of years ago. Treasure seekers have pursued these ancient gemstones for centuries, and it is little wonder why. Under the care of Shimansky, the skilful sourcing of the most exquisite diamonds in South Africa carries on a legacy passed down through the ages. His work is forged from a deep understanding of the sacred symbolism of the diamond. It is the completion of a journey that brings to fruition an incomparable symbol of love.
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 9
Home
10 | CAPTIVATED
“ Life isn’t perfect. But it’s filled with perfect moments. Celebrate life.”
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 11
History
DIAMON of the South
THE DISCOVERY OF SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST DIAMOND IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY SPARKED A RUSH THAT WOULD TRANSFORM THE DIAMOND WORLD FOREVER
12 | CAPTIVATED
G
azing over the desert landscapes of the Northern Cape, the Orange River shimmers in the scorching sunlight. The water rushes along, digging through the burnt soil, in search of nature’s most precious elements. It is hard to imagine these parched lands being home to one of the world’s most valued objects. Yet on a sizzling summer day in 1867, a 15-year-old boy named Erasmus Jacobs stumbled upon a transparent rock along the banks of the river. Little did he know that his keen eye had just found The Eureka, South Africa’s very first diamond. The unexpected discovery of this diamond fortified a rush that swept through the country, encouraging many to scurry across the vast, dusty plains of the newly acclaimed diamond-enriched utopia. By 1869, unfamiliar, remote locations became sites of discovery. Countless valuable diamonds were excavated from the shallower, yellow-stained earth, but as the rush grew, diamonds were found far beyond it in kimberlite, named after Kimberley, the town at the heart of mining country.
DS
The great Kimberley diamond rush translated into an alluring business prospect for many. Two British immigrants, Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato, dictated mining excavations in Kimberley during the 1870s and 1880s. During that time, diamonds were exclusively reserved for those of noble birth and the upper class. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa increased supply, changing the world’s relationship with the precious gemstone, so that the middle class could now afford them. It took a while for the industry to take off; mining processes came to a halt and resumed a number of times over the years when resources dwindled or the industry floundered. It was not until 1979, when mining operations started below the Gabbro sill, that mining for diamonds officially flourished, especially at the abundant Premier Mine. Predicted to have a lifespan of 15 years, it was responsible for some of South Africa’s greatest diamond discoveries. Formed 3.3 billion years ago, these precious stones have encompassed some of history’s most captivating tales. The Cape Town Diamond Museum experience tells this spectacular story through key historical moments. An intricate and beautifully curated timeline of this journey can be found mapped out in the museum. The non-profit organisation focuses on culturing a sincere appreciation for diamonds. The profound and meaningful connection between man and the gemstone is honoured here, exploring all that diamonds have done for South Africa through detailed displays. The museum gives visitors a glimpse of the past, taking them on a journey back in time. Replicas of the great mines line the halls of the museum. Guests become intimately acquainted with the realities of mining, dressing up in mining uniforms and hats while taking a tour through a replica mining shaft. The museum’s hallways are punctuated with sepia film photographs that chronicle the lives of miners who lived for those consumed by the allure of the sparkling gemstones. Today, diamond mining in South Africa is still thriving. The diamond industry employs about 10 million people all over the world, including in Africa. Nature will always produce diamonds of infinite variety, but they will forever remain precious, majestic objects to treasure.
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 13
The art of
CRAFT CRAFTSMANSHIP EXTENDS TO ALL FORMS OF ART. HERE
WE SPEAK TO GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISANS WHOSE WORK EMBODIES A TRUE DEVOTION TO THEIR ART
THE CRAFTSMAN Shimansky’s jewellery creations are realisations of fine craftsmanship Yair Shimansky’s signature diamond creations are shaped from inspiration. As a painter expresses his vision with paint and canvas, or a winemaker envisions the finest wines from soil and vines, a jewellery designer selects the ideal diamond and cuts and polishes it to perfection to revive its potential and maximise its unique beauty. Shimansky’s exquisite jewellery pieces are born out of a partnership between master craftsmen, technical precision and design excellence. As with all great artisans, Shimansky’s designs are inspired by life, created as a symbol of love and devotion that stands the test of time.
14 | CAPTIVATED
Artisans
THE WINE MAKER Corlea Fourie makes fine wine for Bosman Family Vineyards What do you think people find interesting about wine? People are intrigued by wine. I think it is because it is a liquid made from grapes, yet it can smell and taste of things like strawberries, liquorice and chocolate. Why did you decide to pursue a winemaking career? I grew up in the Free State where wine was not that well known. My parents always had me taste some wines with Sunday lunch. I really have fond memories of that. I can’t remember that I loved wine as much as, let’s say, candy, but it did intrigue me. It hasn’t stopped doing that ever since. Do you think making wine is a craft? Yes, I do. I think it lies in the realm of art, craft and science. It’s truly a field in which one can never be bored. Describe your winemaking philosophy. My team’s commitment to quality and innovation is demonstrated by the gentle, hands-on approach of our winery. Grapes are hand-picked and meticulously sorted. Our main aim is to allow the quality of the fruit to stand proud. Which grape variety lies closest to your heart and why? Chenin Blanc. It is versatile, it makes fantastic blends, yet it’s courageous when it stands alone. I am truly convinced that it will be known as the South African drawcard of the future.
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 15
Artisans
THE PAINTER Kurt Pio is a renowned local artist, famous for his gem paintings How would you describe your artistic style? Constantly going from naïve to mature to anywhere in between. What inspired you to paint your diamond artworks? I moved to Amsterdam and completed a three-month Artist in Residence programme with Open Ateliers Zuidoost in 2011. Here, I started drawing geometric patterns. The gem artworks were born through the feeling that I needed to represent parts of my country’s resources, since we have large diamond deposits in South Africa. When did you realise that you have an affinity for art? In high school, I realised that not many people could draw the way I could, whereas before, I thought everyone had the same ability. It was only later that I realised it was seen as a talent. What do you love most about painting? It’s a real escape for me and my life would not function without this outlet. I need to create constantly. What has been the highlight of your career thus far? Hearing my mom’s response when I told her that one of my shows had sold out on opening night. What does the future hold for your work? I hope that I can continue with this creative outlet until the day that I die.
16 | CAPTIVATED
THE SINGER Pumeza Matshikiza is a jewel of the classical music world How did you first become interested in opera? By accident I heard a duet of two women singing beautifully on the radio and I instantly fell in love. I found out that it was the duet ‘Sull’aria’ from Le Nozze di Figaro. I immediately knew I wanted to sing like that, and worked hard to obtain it. After many years of training, I am now singing with one of the ladies from the duet on stage. It’s a dream come true.
How do you keep your voice in good condition? Being an opera singer is like being a professional athlete. The body is your instrument and this means a lot of discipline and healthy living in order to be ready to perform. Which performance is your most memorable? Singing on the stage of the famous La Scala in Milan, a concert I shared in Moscow with Rolando Villazón, and performing at the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Photographer for Pumeza: © Simon Fowler/Decca. Photographer for Kurt Pio: © Adriaan Louw
What do you love most about performing for large groups? When it comes to a large audience, I like the fact that I’m far from the audience and have more space for myself. It’s completely different with a small number of people. It becomes more intimate and there is a very direct connection. It is overwhelming to perform for thousands of people, and their energy is amazing.
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 17
WISH S
o goes the familiar chime: “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away.” It’s a refrain that resonates perfectly when it comes to wishing for something special to have and to hold. When looking for a gift beyond compare for someone you hold dear, Shimansky has a treasure trove. Your wish list can be as vast as you desire with Shimansky’s classic and timeless jewellery collections. From the most beautiful white diamonds to deep, Atlantic-blue tanzanite, to yellow diamonds that carry the hues of the glowing sun, Shimansky will satisfy your heart’s longing.
18 | CAPTIVATED
Handcrafted contemporary jewels like Shimansky’s Millennium® pendant and earrings make for the most perfect wish list item. Its diamonds seem to shift within the setting, taking on the tremors of the body, emitting flourishing sparkles with every move. Celebrate an anniversary with one of Shimansky’s adored eternity rings, or perhaps a Fancy Yellow diamond bracelet. The most popular pieces are Shimansky’s signature engagement rings. Whether you wish for the Millennium®, the Rose Gold Halo, the Evolym® or the classic My Girl® Solitaire, Shimansky’s collection has everything you need to make a special moment last forever.
Collection
LIST
WWW.SHIMANSKY.COM | 19