The diamond works
Melanie Stockmann
With an accomplished background in international luxury hotels and marketing, Melanie Stockmann brings five-star expertise to The Diamond Works Institute’s Cape Town flagship store. Managing this premier location, she delivers memorable experiences that combine luxury retail with immersive education.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to being ‘experience guides’ rather than sales consultants,” Melanie shares. The store offers the signature Sparkling Tour, comprehensive diamond education, and cutting-edge VR technology, creating a fun, different and engaging journey through South Africa’s diamond heritage.
Under Melanie’s leadership, the team provides personalised attention and expert knowledge, complemented by a glass of South African bubbly and intimate consultation spaces. Her bilingual English and German skills enhance international visitors’ experience, while her hands-on management style ensures consistent service excellence.
Drawing from her years in luxury hospitality, Melanie has created an environment where every visitor feels like an honoured guest. “When someone leaves our store with both a beautiful piece and a deeper understanding of African gems, that’s when I know we’ve succeeded,” she says. “I get immense joy from seeing our team happy and our clients happy – and even get attached to some of our special pieces. It is a rewarding place to work.”
Dhaneshree Govender
With over two decades of jewellery industry experience, Dhaneshree Govender brings exceptional knowledge to The Diamond Works Institute’s OR Tambo International Airport location. Managing the duty-free boutique, she creates memorable experiences for travellers seeking to take a piece of Africa home.
“What excites me most is watching passengers’ expressions and joy when they purchase something special from South Africa,” Dhaneshree shares. The store offers an extensive collection of tanzanite and natural diamond jewellery and exclusive watch brands with the added benefit of duty-free pricing.
Under Dhaneshree’s leadership, the team provides comprehensive education about natural diamonds and tanzanite, with every opportunity to try on the jewellery of your dreams. Each piece comes with full certification, ensuring customers’ peace of mind as they make their final purchase before departing.
“Every piece of jewellery has its own story,” she says. “Being here at the gateway to Africa, helping international visitors choose their perfect memento – that’s what makes each day special.”
Andreas Marx
After ten years of sailing the world (while working in jewellery stores on cruise ships), Andreas discovered his true calling in South Africa’s most charming village. Now managing The Diamond Works Institute’s intimate Franschhoek boutique, he brings his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and authentic experiences to the heart of the wine valley.
“What makes our boutique special is the personal connection we create with each visitor,” Andreas shares. The store offers an extensive collection of fine jewellery, tanzanite, and natural diamonds, complemented by bespoke design services.
Under Andreas’s leadership, the team provides an unhurried, educational experience about diamonds and tanzanite, accompanied by local wines in a setting that captures Franschhoek’s charm. Each piece comes with full certification, while the intimate atmosphere allows for detailed consultations and personalised service.
Having sailed the world’s oceans, Andreas has found his perfect harbour in Franschhoek. “Here, we take time to understand each visitor’s story,” he says. “Like a fine wine, choosing the perfect piece shouldn’t be rushed. And what better stage for our diamonds than Franschhoek’s beautiful, eclectic collection of galleries, boutiques, and wine farms.”
Russel Lavigre
Three generations of goldsmithing expertise flow through Russel’s work at The Diamond Works Institute. From his workshop bench in Cape Town, he oversees the traditional handcrafting techniques passed down through his family and the integration of modern technology that keeps the institute at the forefront of jewellery design.
“The jewellery trade is about passion and precision,” Russel shares. Working closely with the institute’s design team, he oversees the creation of bespoke pieces ranging from delicate engagement rings to statement pieces featuring African diamonds and tanzanite. His expertise in traditional and modern manufacturing techniques ensures that each creation meets exceptional standards.
His deep understanding of metals – from platinum to 18-carat gold in all its variations – informs every aspect of the design process, ensuring each piece’s longevity and beauty.
“Every piece that leaves my workshop carries three generations of lessons, love and goldsmithing expertise,” he says. “That’s a responsibility I’m proud to uphold.”
Nathan Lavigre
After ten years of sailing the world (while working in jewellery stores on cruise ships), Andreas discovered his true calling in South Africa’s most charming village. Now managing The Diamond Works Institute’s intimate Franschhoek boutique, he brings his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and authentic experiences to the heart of the wine valley.
“What makes our boutique special is the personal connection we create with each visitor,” Andreas shares. The store offers an extensive collection of fine jewellery, tanzanite, and natural diamonds, complemented by bespoke design services.
Under Andreas’s leadership, the team provides an unhurried, educational experience about diamonds and tanzanite, accompanied by local wines in a setting that captures Franschhoek’s charm. Each piece comes with full certification, while the intimate atmosphere allows for detailed consultations and personalised service.
Having sailed the world’s oceans, Andreas has found his perfect harbour in Franschhoek. “Here, we take time to understand each visitor’s story,” he says. “Like a fine wine, choosing the perfect piece shouldn’t be rushed. And what better stage for our diamonds than Franschhoek’s beautiful, eclectic collection of galleries, boutiques, and wine farms.”