Millennium Diamonds – A History
Jewellers’ Network had the privilege of interviewing Riki Corthouts from Millennium Diamonds on his journey leading up to the present and the future of the industry. Here’s what he had to say.
What is the history behind Millennium Diamonds, and how did you start your journey in the diamond industry?
In 1991, after completing national service in South Africa, I travelled and worked my way through Europe and Asia. After crossing from Pakistan into India, I bought a Royal Enfield motorcycle in Amritsar, which I rode through Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. In a town called Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, a love for gemstones and jewellery was born.
Some initial jewellery and textile trading between India and Greece culminated in a return to South Africa and the diamond trade. A six-month hands-on diamond-cutting diploma at the Harry Oppenheimer School, a diamond-grading diploma from Ian McKenzie, and a year’s apprenticeship on the bench at Art of Gold in Alberton, and I was ready to go.
Millennium Diamonds was formed in 1996 and is now 30 years old and flourishing. In 2007, we opened our cutting works, at first specialising in round diamonds and then progressing into fancy shapes and fancy colours.
Please elaborate on your new product offering.
I have always been passionate about diamonds and diamond cutting, and over the past 30 years, we have striven for perfection. Our staff proudly manufacture South African-mined diamonds into beautiful GIA-certified polished diamonds, which will now be available in South Africa. Initially as loose diamonds, and later in finished jewellery.
What sets Origin SA apart from others in the same line of business?
Our diamonds have Diamond Origin Reports from GIA, which confirm the origin of the certified diamond with 100% traceability. Diamonds that carry our OriginSA laser inscription have auditable provenance. We believe in the importance of where a diamond comes from and the good it does at its source.
What is your vision for the company moving forward in the foreseeable future?
As consumers become more informed, many are rediscovering the enduring value and rarity of natural diamonds. People will look for unique, individual offerings created by nature to celebrate their love, as opposed to perfectly mass-produced copies. Individual brands with provenance and an ethical story will always resonate with consumers.
It is our hope that consumers will become aware of the incredible story that is South African diamonds, both locally and internationally. The passionate people behind every aspect of a natural diamond’s journey, from mining, through cutting and polishing, and finally into beautifully created South African jewellery.
Many international markets recognise the exceptional quality and reputation of Southern African diamonds. I can’t wait for local consumers to discover this, as the old staple goes, “Local is Lekker”.
At Millennium Diamonds, we will continue to focus on sourcing Southern African-mined diamonds, promoting the good that they do, and manufacturing locally to the highest standards.
Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for anyone wanting to enter the diamond industry?
Diamonds are a passion; they represent moments in time and life. This is an industry which requires passion, a love for detail, and a love for people. It’s a business of highs and lows. Resilience and a love for these beautiful gifts from nature are all you need to succeed.
What would be the toughest lesson you have ever learnt on your journey in the diamond industry?
In 2020, when COVID hit the diamond industry, prices plummeted by almost 50%. It was tough, and my belief in the enduring nature of natural diamonds was shaken. Two years after that, diamond prices were at a new high. And then we had the big slump brought on by various factors; prices have now reached an all-time low.
Again, natural diamonds are showing just how enduring they are. The market is stabilising, and we are seeing a renewed interest in natural diamonds.
There’s a reason that you see second, third and fourth generations in this business, and that’s its longevity. Natural diamonds have endured wars, recessions and global pandemics. Their story has always been one of resilience, and I believe that will continue for generations to come.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Website: www.originsa.net