About

Discover the Beauty of Natural Gemstones with PrinsGems

PrinsGems is a division of Prins & Prins Diamonds, Cape Town’s heritage jeweller, bringing certified natural gemstones to jewellers, collectors, and connoisseurs worldwide. Based in the historic Huguenot House (ca. 1752), we combine Cape heritage with over four decades of gemmological expertise.

Our story begins with Dr Petre Prins (PhD Geochemistry, MBA), who founded Prins & Prins in 1982 after twelve years as a lecturer in geology and mineralogy at Stellenbosch University. His vision was to create a home of natural diamonds and gemstones built on authenticity, integrity, and knowledge — principles that continue to guide PrinsGems today.

We sell only natural gemstones, never synthetics or imitations. Each gem over one carat is issued with a Gemmological Grading Report by a GIA-trained expert in our in-house laboratory. What you see is what you receive — certified, accurate, and responsibly sourced.

Whether you are a jeweller seeking precision-cut gems, a collector searching for rare treasures, or a first-time buyer inspired by nature’s beauty, PrinsGems offers a trusted gateway to the world of coloured gemstones. Rooted in heritage and guided by expertise, every gem tells a story of rarity, beauty, and enduring value.

Our Commitment to Quality

Dedicated to Ethical Gemstone Sourcing and Quality

At PrinsGems, integrity is at the heart of everything we do. We sell only natural gemstones, responsibly sourced from trusted suppliers who share our commitment to ethical practices. Every gem is chosen with care, ensuring not only exceptional beauty but also respect for the environment and the communities involved in its journey.

Each gemstone over one carat is accompanied by a detailed Gemmological Grading Report from our in-house laboratory, issued by a GIA-trained expert. This guarantees that what you see online is precisely what you receive — certified, authentic, and true to its natural origin.

Our dedication to ethical sourcing safeguards the integrity of the industry and honours the cultural and natural heritage of gemstones. When you purchase from PrinsGems, you invest in more than a jewel — you share in a tradition of trust, authenticity, and responsibility.

Dedicated Professionals at Prins Gems

At the heart of PrinsGems is a team of highly qualified gemmologists, trained to international standards and committed to safeguarding the integrity of every gemstone we present. Their expertise ensures that each gem is accurately identified, ethically sourced, and thoroughly examined before being offered to clients worldwide.

Our gemmologists combine decades of scientific training with hands-on experience in the global gem trade. Each gemstone over one carat is meticulously assessed in our in-house laboratory, and accompanied by a detailed Gemmological Grading Report. This commitment to transparency protects our clients from synthetic or misrepresented gems and guarantees complete confidence in their purchase.

Guided by the legacy of Dr Petre Prins, our gemmologists uphold the highest standards of precision and integrity. Their role goes beyond certification — they serve as custodians of knowledge and trust, ensuring that every PrinsGems gemstone reflects not only natural beauty but also authenticity and responsibility.

Dr Petré Prins, PhD Geology, MBA

Founder & Managing Director

Founder of Prins & Prins Diamonds and PrinsGems, Dr Petre Prins is a respected geologist and gemmologist with over four decades of expertise. After completing his doctorate at Stellenbosch University and postgraduate research at Cambridge, he lectured in geology and mineralogy before founding Prins & Prins in 1982. Honoured with the Corstorphine and SJ Shand Medals, he has dedicated his career to ensuring authenticity, integrity, and gemmological excellence — values that continue to guide PrinsGems today.

Riana Courtis, G.G. (GIA)

General Manager & Gemmologist

As General Manager and Principal Buyer at PrinsGems, Riana Courtis brings over three decades of international gemmological expertise. A Graduate Gemmologist of the GIA, she has trained in New York, Mumbai, and London, and continues to represent the company at trade shows worldwide. Her discerning eye and deep experience in sourcing ensure that every gemstone offered by PrinsGems meets the highest standards of authenticity, quality, and value.

Stéfan Doveton

GIA Applied Jewellery Professional

As COO of PrinsGems, Stéfan Doveton combines over 20 years of jewellery industry expertise with formal training from the GIA, EGL, and Corlia Roberts Diamond College. His deep product knowledge and extensive client relationships, both locally and internationally, ensure that PrinsGems consistently delivers trusted, bespoke gemstone solutions. His leadership plays a vital role in upholding the company’s reputation for integrity, service, and excellence in the trade of natural gemstones.

Leonard Arendt

GIA Applied Jewellery Professional

Leonard Arendt has been part of the Prins family since 2006 and brings a wealth of expertise in both gems and client relations. As a GIA Applied Jewellery Professional, his approachable style and dedication to honesty have earned him the trust of an international client base, including high-profile collectors. At PrinsGems, Leonard’s focus is on guiding clients to gemstones of lasting value, ensuring every purchase is grounded in transparency, expertise, and personalised care.

Stacey-Leigh de Kock, E.G.L. Diamond Diploma

Since joining the team in 2007, Stacey-Leigh has built a reputation for professionalism and warmth, combining her Diamond Grading Diploma from the European Gemmological Laboratory with years of hands-on experience. At PrinsGems, she brings efficiency and expertise to every interaction, ensuring clients selecting loose gemstones receive attentive guidance and trusted advice, always delivered with her signature friendly approach.

Our Most Sought-After Gemstones

From sapphires and rubies to rare tanzanite, explore the world’s most celebrated natural gems — each certified, each unique.

Sapphire

Treasured for its depth and brilliance, sapphire embodies wisdom and timeless elegance in shades from royal blue to pastel.

Ruby

Fiery red rubies symbolise passion and power, prized for their rarity and enduring beauty through centuries of jewellery design.

Emerald

Known for their vivid green hues, emeralds reflect luxury, heritage, and the allure of nature’s most precious treasures.

Tanzanite

Unique to East Africa, tanzanite’s shifting violet-blue tones capture rarity and romance in a single gem.

Topaz

From vibrant sky-blue to golden hues, topaz offers brilliance and versatility, treasured across cultures for its radiance.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline’s spectrum of colours, often in striking bi-colour gems, makes it a collector’s favourite and a symbol of individuality.

Amethyst

With its regal purple glow, amethyst is cherished for clarity, balance, and its centuries-old place in fine jewellery.

Peridot

Bright and lively, peridot glows with fresh green light, a gem linked to renewal and prosperity since ancient times.

Gemstone Knowledge & Expertise

At PrinsGems, we believe every gemstone carries a story — of origin, rarity, and meaning. From understanding certification and provenance to exploring colour, symbolism, and investment value, our education hub offers expert guidance trusted by jewellers, collectors, and discerning buyers worldwide.

Explore Gemstone Guides