Yair Shimansky
My journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a profound understanding of the intricate details that transform a gem into a captivating masterpiece. With multifaceted expertise, I weave narratives through my creations, crafting pieces that resonate with personal significance and artistic brilliance. My visionary approach transcends conventional boundaries, offering innovative designs that celebrate the splendour of nature’s finest treasures. Through my work, I strive to inspire and enchant collectors and admirers alike, continuously setting new standards in the world of jewelry.
The beginning
My story began in 1991, when I arrived in South Africa after spending two years in Japan. The time spent in Japan served not only as a rite of passage into the world of diamonds and jewellery, but also as a major learning curve. It was here that I studied the science of light & optics in diamonds and where the Japanese culture of perfection made a life-long impression on me. Having learnt the intricacies of diamond qualities and the importance of cut and proportion, I was armed with a unique perspective on diamonds.
Upon my arrival in South Africa, I started designing and crafting jewellery which I sold at a craft market for one year before opening a small outlet in a popular shopping mall. This lead to the opening of the first Shimansky boutique store in 1994.
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The Journey
In the early days, I was fascinated by the power of diamonds. The sparkling gems and their store of value was intriguing and mesmerising. After few years of buying polished diamonds from local dealers, I was unsatisfied with the quality of the diamonds cut and polished. In 1998 I decided to travel to the diamond mines in Kimberley, South Africa, and buy rough diamonds directly from the mines. The first batch of diamonds was given to a local polisher who polished the diamonds for weight gain and not to maximize their brilliance. This is when I decided to enter the world of diamond cutting and polishing and setup the first Shimansky diamond polishing workshop in 1999, unique among jewellers to this day.
Today
I dedicated my career to elevating the standards of the jewelry industry with artistry that knows no bounds. Through years of relentless pursuit for perfection, I've pioneered patented cuts such as the enchanting "My Girl" and the extraordinary "Brilliant 10."​
My journey is driven by a passion to continually reimagine what's possible, transforming raw diamonds into timeless treasures that captivate the hearts and imaginations of those who behold them.Innovative Cutting Designs The My Girl Diamond, a feminine marvel, achieves unmatched brilliance owing to its patented square cut with unique angles.
These creations not only epitomise unparalleled craftsmanship but also illuminate the world of diamond artistry with their unique brilliance and elegance.
The Brilliant 10 goes a step beyond traditional round cuts to provide ten additional facets, ensuring unprecedented fire and scintillation.​
With an unwavering passion for diamonds, gems, and jewellery, I have carved a niche as a multifaceted expert and visionary in the industry. Over the years, I have mastered the delicate art of transforming raw minerals into breathtaking works of art, telling stories through each meticulously crafted piece. My unique approach blends technical expertise with boundless creativity, allowing me to create jewelry that not only showcases unparalleled artistry but also captures the essence of timeless elegance.​​​​​
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