This article first appeared in the JNA November/ December 2022 issue.

Antwerp-based Taymans Fine Gems aims to make its mark in the field of fine coloured gemstones through its exquisite cuts. Owner Brieuc Taymans established his company in early 2021 after seeing a gap in the market for a wider range of finely cut, high-end stones.

The gemmologist goes directly to the source to obtain his coloured gemstones and places great emphasis on the cutting process. “We are extremely thorough and precise with our cuts. Each of our stones undergoes stringent quality checks and only those that are cut to perfection make it to our inventory,” he shared. Taymans Fine Gems offers tourmalines, aquamarines, garnets, spinels, natural zircons and tanzanite stones, among others, in sizes from 1 carat to 30 carats. While most of its gemstones are facetted, it also has a selection of fine cabochons. Brieuc also prides himself on their collection of pairs, noting that these are perfect matches in cuts, intensity and colour.

Favoured stones

Demand is currently strongest for natural zircon, which is fast becoming one of the gemstone dealer’s niches. “Zircons are coming back in fashion but are not readily available in the international market in fine cuts. We have a large selection of natural zircons from Cambodia and offer a reliable supply of this gem,” he revealed.

Asscher-cut tourmalines are another head-turner for the company. Usually used for diamonds, this cut is designed to maximise the lustre and clarity of stones. Its rare selection of Asscher-cut gemstones is a strong selling point, according to Brieuc.

Blue stones are fast movers too as are garnets, with mandarin garnets – Brieuc’s personal favourite due to their nice sparkle and powerful, intense colour – being particularly sought after, he added.

The company’s coloured gemstones are priced from US$120 per carat, with top-quality stones costing US$400 per carat. Prices for Asscher-cut gems range from US$280 to US$320 per carat.

Market prospects

Taymans Fine Gems made its international debut at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Singapore in September 2022. Prior to that, it focused on European and Asian markets, catering mainly to fine jewellers along with some jewellery designers and high-end manufacturers.

At the height of the pandemic, Brieuc and his business partner Arthur de Decker travelled extensively in Europe to build their client base and capitalise on the diversion of discretionary spend to jewellery. “As we were starting out, personal contact was essential. We brought our products to the buyers so they could see them in person, which is very important when it comes to coloured gemstones,” he explained.

The young company also scored sales in Asia due to Brieuc’s connections with the trade from his days of studying at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Hong Kong.

After its sortie in Singapore, Taymans Fine Gems is confident of its prospects in the international market. “Our objective is to offer a wide range of fine-quality coloured gemstones in the most stunning of cuts. Everyone who comes to us will find at least one high-end stone that they love in our inventory,” said Brieuc.