The Shemer story

1948

The Shemer brand was the vision of the Shemer family in the early 1900s. Initially operating as a general dealership in Germiston, offering a diverse range of products from bicycles to watches, the business flourished over time, thanks to its jewellery offering. In 1949, H. Shemer & Co (Pty) Ltd was established, marking the beginning of what is now the enduring Shemer legacy in the world of fine jewellery and watchmaking.

1950

Anecdotally, as the business began to specialise in watches and jewellery in the 1950s, Mr. Hymie recognised the need to appoint an apprentice watchmaker – Derrick Carrington. Derrick worked with the Shemer family until the late 1960s, when he left to start his own business, naming it D. Carrington & Co in 1966.

1977

In its early years, Shemer was located on President Street in Germiston, where it became renowned as one of the country’s premier jewellery stores. The brand’s reputation was such that in 1977 the Fivelman family recognised the opportunity and purchased the business.

1984

Shemer continued to trade in Germiston for many years until the decision was taken to relocate the store to the up-and-coming Bedford Centre in Bedfordview in 1984, where it has been located ever since.

1998

In a story that comes full circle, in 1998, Shemer Jewellers was bought by D. Carrington & Co (Pty) Ltd, under the directorship of Derrick and June Carrington. The young, passionate watchmaker, having forged a solid career within the industry, took over and continued to grow the business, maintaining its success.

2000

Derrick went on to run the business for many years, establishing incredible partnerships with international jewellery and watch brands including Rolex, with the assistance of his son Alan, until his passing. Today, the business remains under the astute leadership of Alan Carrington, a passionate watch enthusiast himself.

2024

Shemer has become a distinguished destination for luxury watches and jewellery, proudly recognised as one of just six official Rolex retailers in South Africa, alongside its exclusive selection of international watch brands. In 2025, Shemer will open two new boutiques: a mono-brand Rolex boutique and an elegant multi-brand Shemer boutique, both located in Sandton, complementing the Shemer Bedfordview boutique.

1948

1950

1977

1984

1998

2000

2024

Services

At Shemer Jewelers, we are proud to have built a legacy of outstanding service and expertise over the last 50 years within the watch-making industry. As official service agents for many of the luxury brands we carry, we are dedicated to ensuring that your timepieces receive the best care possible.

Our commitment to excellence extends to our jewellery offerings as well. With an on-site handmade jewelry workshop, we specialize in creating exclusive, bespoke pieces tailored to your unique vision. Our master craftsman, Mike Friedberg, leads this personalized design and manufacturing process.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive watch and jewellery repair service coupled with insurance valuations.