A diamond may be forever, but tanzanites will only be sold for the next ten years. This, and other interesting gemstone facts is what you’ll learn on a factory and showroom tour at Afrogem in Cape Town. It’s really fascinating to see how jewellery gets made, especially when it’s the kind you pay hundreds and even thousands of rands for. You get to see what kind of work goes into handmade and mass produced items and it’ll give you an idea of just how precious some stones really are.
The tour
If you’re in a booked group, upon arrival you’ll receive a glass of bubbly or orange juice, before proceeding to the start of the tour. Individuals who haven’t booked, help yourself to a glass of water or request a drink if you’d like.
The tour starts with some insight into African stones and here you’ll have an idea of what uncut diamonds and other rough and unpolished stones look like – make sure you have a look at the fossilized coconut.
Then you head up to the cutting and polishing area, where semi-precious stones are cut and polished by machines and go on to the design and casting rooms. There are over 4000 designs of rings and their molds and the guide will explain how rings are made.
We moved on, to the factory where the rings get polished, and stones get set into them. As risky as it may sound, having tourists walk about a jewellery factory, there aren’t any precious stones or jewellery items just lying around, so you’re out of luck if you thought you’d find a diamond just waiting to be spotted.
After an informative tour, you’ll end up in the showroom where you can view and purchase jewellery and loose stones (including diamonds, tanzanites, garnets and other beauties). There aren’t only high-end items on display, though, so you’re bound to find something suitable. If you’re not into any of the jewellery, there’s a also a range of curios and souvenirs and even a mini scratch patch bin for kids to choose their own gemstones. If you’re not in the mood to buy, you’re welcome to browse around, but you’re likely to be lured by some or other gorgeous stone begging to go home with you.
Tours are conducted (free of charge) from Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00 and last about 20 minutes each. Afrogem is open daily from 09h00 to 17h30.
Afrogem
181 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tel 021-424-0848
Email [email protected]
www.afrogem.co.za
If you love jewellery, check out this funky, recycled jewellery made in Zimbabwe. Read more here.
