Browns Jewellers

The browns story

Five Generations

OF FINE DIAMOND JEWELLERS

Back in 1934, our grandfather opened a boutique jewellery store in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the time honoured tradition of apprenticeship, the art of jewellery making was lovingly taught to him by his grandfather, a renowned and talented goldsmith, who in turn was taught by his grandfather before him.

The lineage continues today with Lawrence Brown, who upholds the deep-rooted family history of innovative design and traditional craftsmanship. Under his curation and artistic direction, this family institution is proud to offer fine jewellery of distinction that is recognisable by our iconic Pink Angel.

THE BROWNS

Angel Motif

Inspired by the first piece of jewellery our founder, Grandpa Jack, made for his wife, Granny Kate, in 1934.

The evolution of our Angel motif

Lawrence Brown, pictured with Charlize Theron, wearing a Browns Diamond Tennis Necklace

SOUTH AFRICA’S

Leading Designer Jeweller

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

Our signature designs include our Angel motif, symbolising love, guidance and protection.

The Original Protea Solitaire Diamond Ring®

Although imitated by jewellers across the world, this design remains registered and exclusive to Browns.

In celebration of our heritage, we created the first iconic South African solitaire diamond setting, The Protea.

SOUTH AFRICA’S

Most Awarded Jeweller

Lawrence Brown pictured with Myra Moses, Managing Director of our Workshop.

“I am proud to work in a traditionally male dominated field where 71% of our people are strong, beautiful, inspiring women, and 82% of our management team is female.”

— Myra Moses

Made by
South Africans
for
South Africans
and exported
to the rest of the World

FAMOUS

South African Diamonds

Incorporated into the Crown Jewels are stones cut from the magnificent Cullinan Diamond – the largest diamond ever found and the most celebrated diamond in the world.

Etienne Ferreira, Master Craftsman, pictured in our Johannesburg workshop

Because we are manufacturers, designers and online retailers our pricing is attractive.

Natural Diamonds
vs Lab-Grown

3 reasons to always go natural

Diamonds are symbolic of love being rare, authentic and valuable. Synthetic diamonds are common, fake and cheap.

The fact is, lab-grown diamonds are counterfeits.
An engagement ring must symbolise your love—real, rare and valuable.
Make the wrong decision, and in her heart, she will always know that you compromised.

If you’ve made this mistake, talk to us. We know exactly how to fix it.

“You can take as many photographs of the Mona Lisa as you like. You can even replicate it in oil paint but, as much as one tries to convince oneself that it is the same as the original, it never will be.”

If that’s not reason enough, here are 3 more…

For the rest of her life, she will face the dreaded question – IS THE DIAMOND REAL?
Don’t believe the hocus pocus that labs will save the environment. It’s not true.
Making the right choice demonstrates respect and love for your partner. This is the best investment you will ever make.

“Natural diamonds were created by God billions of years ago. As much as one tries to convince oneself that a diamond grown in a Chinese laboratory is the same thing, it is not.”

And if you need it, take another 4!

Women would rather be surprised with a natural diamond than ‘consulted’ on a counterfeit.
Bigger is not always better.
Relationships based on the real thing last longer.
You will live with this decision for the rest of your lives together.

When asked why Browns refuses to keep lab-grown diamonds, here’s what Chairman Larry Brown had to say:-

“As a company, we could easily have made the mistake that many other jewellers have by taking on lab-growns. But, in our heart of hearts we believe this would have been immoral, unethical and a disservice to our clients."

We are passionate about relationships and guiding young couples so as not to be misled. Making the wrong decision may well erode the fabric of a relationship. We would never sell both labs and natural diamonds as this causes great confusion. It is very important that she knows, from the minute she sees the box, that your love is real.”

Browns commends the French ministry for its recent decision to ban the use of all terminology other than ‘synthetic’ for non-natural diamonds. This means that the use of the term ‘lab-grown’ or ‘cultivated diamonds’ is illegal in France.

“Love, like a diamond, has to be found. It cannot be concocted in a laboratory.”

THE 8C’s

OF A BROWNS DIAMOND

Less than 2% of the world’s diamonds qualify to be a Browns diamond.

1. Carat

Carat represents the weight of a diamond, not the size. This is why a 1 carat can vary in its surface area from one diamond to another.

0.50ct 5.2mm

1.00ct 6.5mm

1.50 7.4mm

2.00 8.2mm

3.00ct 8.8mm

4.00ct 9.4mm

5.00 11.2mm

2. Cut

All Browns diamonds have a excellent and very good cuts, meaning that the symmetry, polish and cut are of the highest precision. At Browns our diamonds are cut to maximise the brilliance, not the size.

BROWNS IDEAL

TOO SHALLOW

TOO DEEP

Be careful of badly cut diamonds, anything less than very good compromises the diamond’s scintillation.

3. Clarity

At Browns we only accept diamonds with a clarity of SI2 and higher, ensuring that we do not compromise on its beauty.

Be careful of a diamond with a poor clarity grade, excessive inclusions directly affect the brilliance.

4. Colour

At Browns we only accept diamonds with a colour grade of K and higher. The more colourless the diamond, the greater its rarity and value.

L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Diamonds with a poor colour grade can appear slightly yellow instead of the desired brilliant white.

5. Certification

Browns offers confidence through dual certification and serialisation.

All of our engagement rings are engraved with a unique identity number. This number is cross referenced with the Browns Jewellery Certificate and the Independent Diamond Certificate (for all diamonds over 1 carat). This gives you the peace of mind that the diamond you purchase is the diamond you are actually getting.

6. Contour

At Browns we pay special attention to the golden ratios, thereby ensuring that every diamond is perfectly proportioned to maximise its natural beauty.

Be careful of diamonds that are not cut to proportion. Often round diamonds are not perfectly round.

7. Character

We focus on every diamond’s unique characteristics. In this way the 8C’s come together in perfect harmony, resulting in the ultimate balance and beauty of a diamond.

In order to ensure balance we categorise our diamonds into excellent, exceptional and extraordinary

8. Created by Nature

At Browns we only sell natural diamonds. Our diamonds are ethically and responsibly sourced, mainly from Southern Africa, creating over 1 million jobs.

REAL IS RARE

5 YEAR BUY-BACK GUARANTEE

At Browns we have such confidence in the quality and value of our diamonds that we offer a 5 year Buy-Back Guarantee on diamond jewellery with a 1 carat diamond or more.

This means, that should you wish to sell your diamond jewellery after 5 years, we will buy it back from you.

GROW YOUR DIAMOND

We offer a unique Diamond Investment Programme, which allows you to reset your engagement ring. You can do this by either utilising your centre diamond in a new setting such as a Trilogy ring or exchanging your diamond for a larger more valuable one, only paying the difference.

LIFETIME AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE

When you purchase your diamond from Browns you will receive a Browns Jewellery Certificate documenting the characteristics of your diamond. This allows us to offer you a lifetime authenticity guarantee.

UNIQUE IDENTITY

Each piece of diamond jewellery is engraved with a unique identity number allowing us to trace your diamond’s history from source to the finished piece. At Browns we subscribe to the Kimberley Process and support Fair Trade, therefore you can rest assured that your diamond comes from a legitimate source.

BROWNS

Loyalty Club

We want to nurture a lifetime relationship

with all of our clients, that is why we have our Loyalty Club.

Lifetime Diamond

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Bronze

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS

DIAMONDS DO GOOD

THE BROWNS

Foundation

Commited to eliminating poverty through economic excellence

In line with our commitment to excellence, we provide bursaries and mentorship programmes to the smartest young South Africans, across the disciplines of Commerce, Engineering and jewellery making.

THE BROWNS

Teddy Bear Project

Every year we donate Browns teddy bears to orphaned and impoverished children around the country.

A beloved children's toy, this is a project that is close to our hearts.

THE BROWNS

PLUM TREE PROJECT

The diamond industry currently supports millions of families across Southern Africa. Mining is a lifeline for many African countries and others around the world, providing employment, essential infrastructure and education.

We are proud to be a part of this lifeline, and when you purchase your diamonds from Browns, you can rest assured that you are contributing to these families' well-being.

THE BROWNS

Angel Inspiration Story

“When we were children, our grandfather used to tell us that there were always angels looking after us – we just need to be able to hear them. Our Guardian Angel was inspired by the first piece of jewellery Grandpa Jack made for Granny Kate. Ever since then, we try to incorporate a Browns Angel into every piece of jewellery we make. This acts as a reminder that these guardians are always present.”

Five Generations

OF FINE DIAMOND JEWELLERS

Back in 1934, our grandfather opened a boutique jewellery store in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa.

THE BROWNS

Angel Motif

Inspired by the first piece of jewellery our founder, Grandpa Jack, made for his wife, Granny Kate, in 1934.

The evolution of our Angel motif

Lawrence Brown, pictured with Charlize Theron,
wearing a Browns Diamond Tennis Necklace

SOUTH AFRICA’S

Leading Designer Jeweller

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
— Leonardo da Vinci

Our signature designs include our Angel motif, symbolising love, guidance and protection.

The Original Protea
Solitaire Diamond Ring®

Although imitated by jewellers across the world, this design remains registered and exclusive to Browns.

In celebration of our heritage, we created the first iconic South African solitaire diamond setting, The Protea.

SOUTH AFRICA’S

Most Awarded Jeweller

Lawrence Brown pictured with Myra Moses,
Managing Director of our Workshop.

“I am proud to work in a traditionally male dominated field where 71% of our people are strong, beautiful, inspiring women, and 82% of our management team is female.”

— Myra Moses

Made by
South Africans
for
South Africans
and exported
to the rest of the World

FAMOUS

South African Diamonds

Incorporated into the Crown Jewels are stones cut from the magnificent Cullinan Diamond – the largest diamond ever found, the most celebrated diamond in the world.

Etienne Ferreira, Master Craftsman,
pictured in our Johannesburg workshop

Because we are manufacturers, designers and online retailers our pricing is attractive.

Natural Diamonds vs Lab-Grown

3 reasons to always go natural

Diamonds are symbolic of love being rare, authentic and valuable. Synthetic diamonds are common, fake and cheap.

The fact is, lab-grown diamonds are counterfeits.
An engagement ring must symbolise your love—real, rare and valuable.
Make the wrong decision, and in her heart, she will always know that you compromised.

If you’ve made this mistake, talk to us. We know exactly how to fix it.

“You can take as many photographs of the Mona Lisa as you like. You can even replicate it in oil
paint but, as much as one tries to convince oneself that it is the same as the original, it never will be.”

If that’s not reason enough, here are 3 more…

For the rest of her life, she will face the dreaded question – IS THE DIAMOND REAL?
Don’t believe the hocus pocus that labs will save the environment. It’s not true.
Making the right choice demonstrates respect and love for your partner. This is the best investment you will ever make.

“Natural diamonds were created by God billions of years ago. As much as one tries to convince
oneself that a diamond grown in a Chinese laboratory is the same thing, it is not.”

And if you need it, take another 4!

Women would rather be surprised with a natural diamond than ‘consulted’ on a counterfeit.
Bigger is not always better.
Relationships based on the real thing last longer.
You will live with this decision for the rest of your lives together.

“Love, like a diamond, has to be found. It cannot be concocted in a laboratory.”

THE 8C’s

OF A BROWNS DIAMOND

Less than 2% of the world’s diamonds qualify to be a Browns diamond.

1. Carat

Carat represents the weight of a diamond, not the size. This is why a 1 carat can vary in its surface area from one diamond to another.

0.50ct 5.2mm

1.00ct 6.5mm

1.50 7.4mm

2.00 8.2mm

3.00ct 8.8mm

4.00ct 9.4mm

5.00 11.2mm

2. Cut

BROWNS IDEAL

TOO SHALLOW

TOO DEEP

Be careful of badly cut diamonds, anything less than very good compromises the diamond’s scintillation.

3. Clarity

At Browns we only accept diamonds with a clarity of SI2 and higher, ensuring that we do not compromise on its beauty.

Be careful of a diamond with a poor clarity grade, excessive inclusions directly affect the brilliance.

4. Colour

At Browns we only accept diamonds with a colour grade of K and higher. The more colourless the diamond, the greater its rarity and value.

L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Diamonds with a poor colour grade can appear slightly yellow instead of the desired brilliant white.

5. Certification

Browns offers confidence through dual certification and serialisation.

6. Contour

At Browns we pay special attention to the golden ratios, thereby ensuring that every diamond is perfectly proportioned to maximise its natural beauty.

Be careful of diamonds that are not cut to proportion. Often round diamonds are not perfectly round.

7. Character

We focus on every diamond’s unique characteristics. In this way the 8C’s come together in perfect harmony, resulting in the ultimate balance and beauty of a diamond.

In order to ensure balance we categorise our diamonds into excellent, exceptional and extraordinary

8. Created by Nature

At Browns we only sell natural diamonds. Our diamonds are ethically and responsibly sourced, mainly from Southern Africa, creating over 1 million jobs.

REAL IS RARE

5 YEAR BUY-BACK GUARANTEE

At Browns we have such confidence in the quality and value of our diamonds that we offer a 5 year Buy-Back Guarantee on diamond jewellery with a 1 carat diamond or more.

This means, that should you wish to sell your diamond jewellery after 5 years, we will buy it back from you.

GROW YOUR DIAMOND

LIFETIME AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE

UNIQUE IDENTITY

BROWNS

Loyalty Club

We want to nurture a lifetime relationship

with all of our clients, that is why we have our Loyalty Club.

Lifetime Diamond

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Bronze

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS

DIAMONDS DO GOOD

THE BROWNS

Foundation

In line with our commitment to excellence, we provide bursaries and mentorship programmes to the smartest young South Africans, across the disciplines of Commerce, Engineering and jewellery making.

THE BROWNS

Teddy Bear Project

Every year we donate Browns teddy bears to orphaned and impoverished children around the country.

A beloved children's toy, this is a project that is close to our hearts.

THE BROWNS

PLUM TREE PROJECT

We are proud to be a part of this lifeline, and when you purchase your diamonds from Browns, you can rest assured that you are contributing to these families' well-being.

THE BROWNS

Angel Inspiration Story