Editor’s Note
This article highlights the expansion of a historic jeweler in the Indian Ocean, showcasing its new boutiques, museum, and deep-rooted expertise spanning two centuries from Belgium to Mauritius.
With four duty-free shops on the island – including the brand new boutique at Caudan – a museum dedicated to diamonds, and a new Tissot space opened last December, the largest jewelry store in the Indian Ocean is the result of two centuries of expertise in the precious stones industry.
The jeweler’s history begins in the 19th century in Belgium, with the prolific diamond trade. At the beginning of the 20th century, Albert Goldstein (grandfather of the current director, Sébastian Denton) moved with his family to South Africa and distinguished himself in the art of polishing the said stone. In 1970, the first diamond cutting factory was inaugurated in Mauritius, and he took over its reins in 1980. The succession was then ensured by his son, Stephen Denton, who developed tourist visits to the factory, before opening the first Adamas store in 1987, in response to demands for purchasing diamonds transformed on-site. His son Sébastian joined the company in turn in 2005, enriching the family saga with an additional generation. The recession forced the closure of the cutting factory in 2008, but the Adamas kingdom remains.
If you visit the museum in Floreal, the lapidary industry and tradition will hold no more secrets for you: cutting, manufacturing process, polishing, carats, facets, colors, degree of purity… And coming soon: a video space and a demonstration of their work by the former master cutters from the factory. On the shopping side, the brand – exclusive retailer of the Mont Blanc brand in Mauritius – brings together thousands of pieces. International prestigious brands or creations from the workshops of its sister company, Mauriden Ltd, with 45 years of experience in jewelry. With classic or contemporary inspirations, the collections cater to all budgets. And as in Mauritius, diamonds are purchased tax-free, so their price in-store drops directly by 30% to 40%! Priya Napaul, the marketing manager, confirms this to us:
She explains to us that in the process of creating Adamas jewelry, designers follow international luxury market trends.
Within the framework of environmental challenges, Adamas integrates into several biodiversity conservation projects alongside local organizations. Within the company, societal responsibility is naturally applied. Priya tells us: