Some shops have a history.
Ours has a family.
The Beginning
Iris Jewellers was founded in 1984 by Wim Kimmans – a master goldsmith trained in Europe with over 40 years of experience at the bench. What started as a passion for fine jewellery and rare stones became a business, and eventually a family legacy passed to the next generation.
THE NAME
The shop was originally named ISIS Jewellers, after the Egyptian goddess. When the next generation took over, it was renamed Iris – in honour of two women in our family. It is a small detail that means everything to us.
WHERE WE ARE
We are tucked into Hout Bay Harbour – one of Cape Town’s oldest working harbours, with fishing boats, salt air and the mountains on every side. We are not in a mall or on a high street. We are the kind of shop that takes some finding, and feels better for it. Most people who walk through our door didn’t expect to find us here. Most of them don’t forget it.
WHAT DRIVES US
Our passion is rare and unusual stones – tanzanite above all, but also Zambian emeralds, Ethiopian opal, and other gems from across the African continent. We believe in knowing where every stone comes from, being honest about what it is, and letting the stone speak for itself. We don’t oversell. We educate.
TODAY
Iris is still a small family business. Wim still works at the bench. Every gold piece that leaves this shop passed through his hands. When you buy from Iris you are not buying from a franchise or a chain. You are buying from the people who made it.
Timeless Bespoke Jewellery
Come and find us at Hout Bay Harbour. We’d love to meet you.
Get In Touch
Visit Us
Main Quay | Hout Bay Harbour | Cape Town | South Africa