THE MUSEUM OF DIAMONDS, GEMS & JEWELLERY
Take a walk through the Historic Huguenot House
In 1752, Governor Ryk Tulbagh granted Erf No.6 on the corner of what was to become Hout and Loop Streets to the burgher Hendrik Britz. Here he built a home for his family. Five years later, it was sold to Gustav Tregard for 6300 guilers. Nicholas von Wielligh bought the property in 1770 for […]
Why we only sell natural diamonds
The Contribution of Natural Diamonds to Global Well-being By selling diamonds that are mined, we will make a contribution to the well-being of millions of people worldwide. For Instance: Natural diamonds help provide access to healthcare for more than 4 million people. From solar-powered clinics to groundbreaking disease management programs, natural diamonds help build a […]
How to make your diamond look bigger
Maximizing the appearance of your diamond Most women prefer size to colour and clarity when choosing a diamond. However, those who insist on a white colour and high clarity may have to settle for a smaller size diamond. No matter how large a diamond you pick for your engagement ring, there are design tricks and […]
Lab-grown diamonds will harm our tourist industry and spoilour reputation.
The Challenge of Authenticity Tourists buy diamond jewellery in South Africa as a memento of their visit and because it wasmined in “the Land of Diamonds and Gold.” But, if a jeweller inadvertently sells them a diamondwhich they later discover is a worthless lab-grown stone made in China, they may be mad enoughto sue the […]
What our jewellery offers tourists
Enhancing The Tourist Experience Tour guides may wonder how to promote jewellery made in South Africa. Here are some pointers. Tourists visiting South Africa, often referred to as the Land of Diamonds, Gold, and Platinum, have a unique opportunity to acquire exquisite diamonds and precious metals while enjoying an authentic and enriching experience. Compelling reasons […]
Nobody wants to be a sucker
The Dilemma Of Deception How mad would you be to learn that synthetic moissanite is not ‘star dust’ nor ‘the most brilliant gem in the world,” or that lab-grown diamonds are not “eco-friendly with a close to zero carbon footprint,” as promoted, frequently and without shame, by sellers of lab-grown diamonds? If you bought an […]
What is a fair commission in the jewellery industry?
Background Worldwide, most mall jewellers pay about ten percent of turnover to the landlord, while stand-alonejewellers gladly pay a commission to tour guides and concierges who bring clients to their doors. This is justified as the mall owner has to advertise to attract customers while a guide brings the client to the jeweller and often […]
Appreciating the unique skills of goldsmiths
Learning The Craft Over the past forty years, I have had the honour to work with a team of gifted goldsmiths. In the early years, I spent a few months on the bench learning how to pour a metal ingot and form it into plate and wire. The magic that happens when gold is soldered […]
The problem with Man-Made Diamonds.
Man-made vs Mined Diamonds Man-made diamonds are getting cheaper every year, which is to be expected of a product that can be produced at will. A few years ago, lab-grown diamonds sold at 30% below the Rapaport Price List which is universally used to value mined diamonds. Today, you can pick up a GIA certified […]
How green is a Prins & Prins engagement ring?
Introduction Today’s customer wants certainty about a diamond’s journey from mine to finger, and how eco-friendly the precious metal in their ring is. Were it legally mined, in which country did the community benefit, and have the stone and metal a low carbon footprint? Today’s retail jeweller must be able to answer these questions without […]
This is us
Who We Are Prins and Prins Diamonds is one of the longest-serving family jewellers in Cape Town.They trade from Huguenot House (ca 1752), an iconic Early Cape home they acquired in 1993. Magnificent wall paintings and an in-house water well, discovered duringrestoration, make a visit worthwhile. You can browse their showrooms without obligation, enjoy a […]
How much should you spend on an engagement ring in South Africa?
This a complicated question that many struggle with. Here’s our advice: You may have heard that tradition demands you spend two to three months salary on your engagement ring. Or a friend boasts (inflates?) the amount he has spent, which puts you under pressure. Others say your engagement stone must be at least half a […]
The price of lab-grown diamonds bottoms out
Reflections on Market Trends and Future Predictions As we predicted two years ago, the wholesale price of lab-grown diamonds has bottomed out, sooner than expected. When lab-grown diamonds hit the market in 2015, their selling price was about 30% below that of a similar certified natural diamond. In our newsletter of January 2020, I predicted: […]
How to find a jeweller you can trust
Finding A Jeweller You Can Trust You may have been happy with your family jeweller. After all, your father recommended him. But can you trust them? Today, it is hard to know who is just in it for the money. Although a jewellery store is a business like any other and needs to make a […]