One of the first stores my friend mentioned was Mark Solomon (and it’s where I got the tanzanite piece). This award-winning brand caught my eye fast.

Diamond engagement rings are what they’re best known for, but you can also score necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and rings. The selection for each is massive, with 10-plus shapes and rare gemstones such as tsavorite and danburite on offer.

Customisation is in the books as well. The reassuring part is that your jewellery is in the hands of GIA-certified specialists.

The same pros will guide you on grading reports, stone comparisons, budget alignment, and the other technical or practical bits of buying jewellery.

In my case, they offered advice via Zoom, which was pretty convenient. There’s also a showroom for those who prefer in-person meetings.

Some clients, though, complained about snobbish consultants.

Repair services aren’t always available either, since bookings fill up fast.

A Team That Genuinely Cares

I initially visited Mark Solomon Jewellers just to have a few rings resized, but ended up walking away with two brand new custom-made rings, and I couldn’t be happier! I was on a tight schedule, and to my amazement, they created the new ring in just one day—and it turned out absolutely perfect.

From start to finish, the team was professional, friendly, and incredibly talented. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is unmatched. A special shout-out to Irma, who was just the best—so warm, helpful, and truly a pleasure to deal with.

Thanks to this wonderful experience, I can confidently say they’ve earned me as a long-term customer. I’d recommend Mark Solomon Jewellers to anyone looking for quality work, outstanding service, and a team that genuinely cares. Five stars all the way

Danie Serfontein, Google Review

They Made the Process Easy

Finding the perfect ring for the person you love can be overwhelming, especially with the cost involved. We’re so glad we chose Mark Solomon Jewellers. They made the process easy, personal, and enjoyable. The craftsmanship is incredible, and the rings are exactly what we hoped for. Highly recommended to anyone looking for something truly special

Chase Herbert, Google Review

Even the most clueless jewellery buyer can pick up a thing or two at Shimansky. From what we’ve gathered, their staff members, especially the tour guides, are warm and informative.

Can’t say we’re that shocked, though. The brand has been in the bling game since 1991, so their personnel have refined the way they deal with clients.

They have over 10 ready-made collections too, ideal if you’d rather not wait for custom work. That said, going bespoke isn’t a waste of money or time, as it’s GIA-certified specialists who’ll handle the request.

Just note that you’ll pay extra to get it and must book in advance (it’s a jewellery museum-slash-store setup). Last time we rocked up, the fee was R100.

Email responses can be sluggish as well. That’s why most go for personal consultations or showroom visits.

On a positive note, they provide extra services such as cleaning, resizing, and maintenance.

Professional and Kind

Would highly recommend Shimansky Jewelers in Cape Town. I saw an advertisement for their unique jewelry (Table Mtn) and was curious. I went into the store and was assisted by Lauren who was fabulous. She was knowledgeable, patient, professional and kind. I did make a purchase that was reasonably priced that I will cherish forever back home in the US

Melissa Barton, Google Review

Excellent Advice

I had a great experience at Shimansky in Cape Town, even though I didn’t end up making a purchase. From the start, I felt very well taken care of. Wendy, the consultant who helped me, was incredibly kind, professional, and attentive.

She gave me excellent advice and followed up afterwards with real care and passion, even though I had already left Cape Town and couldn’t complete the purchase. That was entirely on me – the service was absolutely outstanding.

I can highly recommend Shimansky and especially Wendy. You’ll be in very good hands!

Manuel Salis, Google Review

You might never leave Marios Jewellers if you’re a certified watch aficionado. The 1965-established store has a distinguished portfolio for timepieces, featuring world-class brands such as Tissot, Hamilton, and Rado.

We love their variety, too. While most here zero in on diamonds (and some rare gems like tanzanite), this one wowed our team with onyx, rubies, morganite, and citrine, mostly crafted into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants.

If there’s a “hitch,” it’s how quickly you need to be to lock in their ready-made pieces, especially the diamond rings. They go fast!

Costs can also be a tad high, even for the jewellery world.

That said, you’re not getting ripped off. Marios’ numerous Canal Walk Retail Excellence Awards make that evident.

Their craftspeople, namely Celine and Marco, have earned plenty of praise as well. Interviewees described Celine as an efficient and precise designer, while Marco was touted as attentive and detail-oriented, especially concerning watch repairs.

Absolute Joy to Deal With

Karin was an absolute joy to deal with. She kept us in the loop throughout the process of designing the emerald and diamond eternity ring, exactly like my husband wanted. We truly appreciate her service. I can certainly recommend making use of her expertise.

brigette campbell, Google Review

Professional Experience

This was the most professional experience one can have when purchasing luxury jewellery.

Diamandis Theodoropoulos and his team have specially made this piece for my wife, from design up to collection of the ring was a true example of a well oiled masterpiece unfolding.

Well Done,

It ‘s been a life experience that will stay with us forever, see you soon….

One happy Wife/husband !!!!!!

Karel Roodman, Google Review

Dear Rae is honestly a smart choice for people who want modern heirlooms made from solid metals. In other words, their pieces are durable and stunning, with “artsy” designs inspired by South African landscapes.

We gave them bonus points for being eco-friendly as well. You see, they use recycled gold and refuse plated jewellery, which means less demand for destructive mining and throwaway products.

The problem is, the price points aren’t always gentle to the wallet. Sure, the 10% discount granted to first-time buyers is solid, but overall costs can still feel too much.

Email responses also take their sweet time. A few clients complained about waiting for over a week for a reply.

On a positive note, you’re not stuck with 1–3 gemstones here, unlike most jewellery stores around. The birthstone range alone features 12 choices, including tanzanite.

Helpful and Friendly

Lovely, locally made jewellery. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings (bespoke and everyday) – all so beautiful. I also really support their use of solid gold (no plating) and just love their designs and attention to detail. Also, everyone there is super helpful and friendly! Highly recommended business!

Tegan Kelly, Google Review

They’re Truly Passionate

I am a Spanish girl and a loyal fan of the brand since its beginnings, I’m lucky to have several of their beautiful pieces, (even when they didn’t even have an international department!).

Last year I got married and I was lucky that my husband bought my engagement ring in Dear Rae as soon as he knew my passion for the brand. He got the wrong size and we had to take it to one of the jewelry stores in our city, always with the recommendations that Dear Rae made to us. Unfortunately the jewelry store in our city (totally external to Dear Rae) ruined our ring and therefore, the damage and emotional stress we had was enormous.

When we contacted Dear Rae and told about all this terrible story, they behaved like true professionals and arranged the damage that others had done. They were so caring, loving and generous that we’re still (and forever) grateful and touched by their treatment of us. You can tell they’re truly passionate about what they do and their human warmth transcends barriers.

Thank you so much to the entire Dear Rae, from South Africa to London team, who made it possible for me to have my beautiful engagement ring.

You’re forever in our hearts!

Susana Pérez Estévez, Google Review

Established in 2005, Cape Diamonds is a long-running store that specialises in handcrafted, GIA-certified diamonds, both natural and lab-grown.

If you ask us, though, it’s their artistry you should be pumped for. The Fynbos range, for instance, flaunts elegant and symbolic details inspired by South Africa’s flora.

More into traditional styles or cut stones? Well, you won’t be short on choices here: they have emerald, cushion, pear, heart, radiant, and marquise variants. Round-cut diamonds sell the fastest, though, followed by oval- and princess-cut ones.

The drawback, unsurprisingly, is the lack of other gemstones. This store is diamond-centred.

Cape Diamond’s jewellery lineup isn’t as lengthy as their competitors’ either. It’s mostly engagement rings, earrings, and wedding bands dominating their shelves.

The good news is that we didn’t encounter major red flags, customer service-wise. Clients we talked to highlighted the patience, know-how, friendliness, straightforwardness, and efficiency of the staff.

Super Helpful and Friendly

Lovely, locally made jewellery. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings (bespoke and everyday) – all so beautiful. I also really support their use of solid gold (no plating) and just love their designs and attention to detail. Also, everyone there is super helpful and friendly! Highly recommended business!

I am a Spanish girl and a loyal fan of the brand since its beginnings, I’m lucky to have several of their beautiful pieces, (even when they didn’t even have an international department!).

Tegan Kelly, Google Review

Caring, Loving, and Generous

Last year I got married and I was lucky that my husband bought my engagement ring in Dear Rae as soon as he knew my passion for the brand. He got the wrong size and we had to take it to one of the jewelry stores in our city, always with the recommendations that Dear Rae made to us. Unfortunately the jewelry store in our city (totally external to Dear Rae) ruined our ring and therefore, the damage and emotional stress we had was enormous.

When we contacted Dear Rae and told about all this terrible story, they behaved like true professionals and arranged the damage that others had done. They were so caring, loving and generous that we’re still (and forever) grateful and touched by their treatment of us. You can tell they’re truly passionate about what they do and their human warmth transcends barriers.

Thank you so much to the entire Dear Rae, from South Africa to London team, who made it possible for me to have my beautiful engagement ring.

You’re forever in our hearts!

Susana Pérez Estévez, Google Review