Hunting for souvenirs is another exciting South African adventure - an opportunity to get to know our people and their ways and to find something special to take home with you. Venturing into sophisticated shopping centres, browsing the flea markets with their unique wares or bargaining with street vendors are all part of the thrill of acquisition. Diamond The ancient Greeks believed diamonds to be splinters of stars fallen to the ground and some even thought them to be tears of the gods. And even though we know more about the origin of diamonds today, they still hold the same fascination for us. Billions of years ago, the elemental earth forces of heat and pressure transformed carbon into diamonds and when the boiling magma thrust upwards and broke through the earth’s surface, the diamonds cooled in kimberlite pipes.

Very few stones survived the hazardous journey from the depths of the earth and this fact has contributed to the high value attached to diamonds. Of the 4 000 known kimberlite pipes in the world, fewer than 1 in 200 have developed into mines and there are only a limited number of working diamond mines worldwide. Through the generosity of nature, the southern African region has been endowed with just over half of the world’s rough diamond supply. Which better place then to find your special diamond than in South Africa, origin of some of the most famous diamonds in the world? The Great Star of Africa, the largest polished diamond in the world, was found in the Cullinan diamond mine and now forms part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Centenary Diamond is the world’s largest, most modern cut, top-colour, flawless diamond and was found at the Premier Mine in 1986. To bring a diamond’s true beauty and brilliance to light, it needs the skills of a talented diamond cutter. South Africa has had its own cutting industry since the 1920’s and many of our stones are cut and polished by our own people and then set in exquisitely designed and crafted jewellery. The other natural resource with which South Africa has been richly endowed, gold, forms the ideal backdrop for the brilliance of our diamonds. Our gold jewellery can hold its own with the best designs in the world and many designs incorporate a strong African influence, giving it a unique identity. While visiting some of our many excellent jewellery shops, it would be a wise investment to buy a piece that unites diamonds and gold in exquisite harmony - a true South African souvenir. Apart from our unique designer jewellery, our local arts and crafts are the ideal reminders of your South African experience.

Several art and craft centres exist all over the country that promote the work of local artists. The African curios and works of art that are sold at these centres as well as at flea markets, curio shops and art galleries make ideal souvenirs and, if you buy them from the artists themselves, your purchase is that much more special. African craft works were originally designed and created for daily use and these items, such as handmade baskets and traditional clothing, tell us more about the history and culture of its creators. Other items such as beadwork and carved idols, have religious and social meaning, which adds additional intrinsic value to the purchases.

Innovation and entrepreneurship characterises the South African spirit. Everywhere - next to the roads, at flea markets, street stalls and at art and craft centres, people sell the articles they have created with their imaginations and their skilled hands.

These innovative people can create things with wire, Coke cans and plastic that you would never have imagined before. By supporting the artists and vendors, you are not only buying a unique souvenir for yourself but you are also ensuring an independent living and a better future for the South African people.