Handicraft Items

TOPSTONES is a world-leading supplier of tumbled gemstones with over 35 years of experience. We produce some 60 tons of tumbled gemstones a month in up to 150 varieties. All stones are mechanically screened for their sizes and individually hand sorted for quality.  MANUFACTURINGNot only do we process all South African stones, but also import from Africa, the Americas, Europe and Far East and in fact anywhere where suitable raw materials are to be found. After processing these at our factory in Simon's Town where we employ 110 people, the majority of our stones are exported to all corners of the world.  WHOLESALEWe supply other Wholesalers, Retailers and various South African businesses with all their stone requirements. These include rough rocks, mineral specimens, polished ornamental stones, beads, bracelets and other jewellery. We also cater for the meta-physical market supplying crystal balls, massage wands, chakra stones, books, etc. FACTORY SHOPS Presently we have 3 retail shops (Mineral World/Scratch Patch that offer anything and everything to do with Gemstones, from inexpensive gifts and jewellery to fashionable gold and silver items and faceted stones). Our Shops are at Simon's Town (Topstones Factory), the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and the West Coast Ostrich Farm. SCRATCH PATCHThis is a unique concept which allows visitors to "scratch" around on a bed of stones spread over the ground in an attractive outdoor environment. They select whatever stones they want and only pay for the bag they fill. Scratch Patches are situated with the Mineral World Retail Shops in Simon's Town, the V&A Waterfront and the West Coast Ostrich Farm (N7, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia).

Over the years, Kariba Minerals has developed a unique grading system. The amethysts are carefully sorted and graded by a skilled workforce, using stringent quality control measures. This has established our amethyst as a premium brand known as KARIBA AMETHYST. Our product is in great demand among both manufacturers and wholesalers as the quality of our materials is becoming increasingly apparent. Presently, the company exports mainly to China and India, but we also have clients in Europe and America. Zambia is a major source of gemstones for the world's jewellery market. In November 2007, Zambia won the Mining Journal's Country Award for its expanding mineral production, transparent mining law, excellent infrastructure, and improved corporate governance. Politically, Zambia has maintained amicable relations with its neighbouring countries, resulting in continued stability. It is a member of the Southern African Development Community and has had four consecutive democratically elected governments over the past 16 years. No government has been overthrown by a coup d'état, and the risk of armed conflict is low. Zambia's exports are sent to ports in neighbouring countries via railway. Investment in Zambia's road network has been scaled up since the launch of a ten-year US$1 billion investment program in 1998. AMETHYST MINING AND PROCESSINGThe mining operation at Mapatizya is mechanized. Bulldozers and excavators are used to strip, excavate and expose the amethyst veins. The veins are then mined selectively by pick and shovel. The lower grade amethyst is stockpiled to provide bulk feed for the washing plant.Higher grades of amethyst are processed in the knocking plants at Mapatizya and Lusaka. A skilled workforce handles the sorting operations, and there is a strong emphasis on quality control.ProcessingAmethyst ore from the mines is taken to a washing plant located close to the mine itself. The washing plant uses a diesel-powered conveyor system to wash and sort the ore before it is taken for knocking and grading.Grading and sortingAn experienced, well-trained workforce is responsible for sorting and grading the amethyst. Senior supervisors are appointed to oversee the work and guarantee the delivery of quality product. Experts from the head office in Lusaka mentor the supervisors, sharing grading and sorting tips to keep the quality standards high.GeologyAmethyst mineralization occurs as fracture fillings in granitic gneisses and marbles. The mineralizing fluids started crystallizing from the walls of the open cavities inwards, as can be observed from the increasing size and development of the crystals. In the area of the Kariba mines, the host rocks were exposed to tensile fracturing, creating an extensive network of well-connected cavities. The fractures occurred in weak zones, which were opened during deformation. Earlier fractures also expanded, creating larger openings, and these form the most economically significant mineralized zones. Most of the fracture zones trend NE-SW, indicating that the compression was at right angles to the trend.Three major zones of amethyst mineralization have been identified on the plot. Two of these are located in the central part of the plot and form the mine’s most significant amethyst deposits, yielding good quality amethyst. These zones run through the Cha Cha, Francis, Curlew, Davidson and Horden prospects. Most mining activities have been concentrated in these zones and contribute tremendously to the mine’s production statistics. The quality of the amethyst produced is of predominantly high grade.The other significant zone is in the north-west (Basil prospect), which also has relatively abundant resources. The colour of amethyst in this zone is darker, however, though some isolated pockets do have high-grade amethyst with good body colour.

Banana Boat has three exciting shops in Kampala, Uganda, selling beautiful African crafts and tribal art sourced from all over the African continent. Each item is carefully chosen to inspire you. From skillfully woven baskets to hand made leather sandals, we only choose the best. Banana Boat also has fun designing and developing crafts with Ugandan women's groups, families and small workshops combining traditional skills with fresh ideas.

The word Weaving in Amharic (Ethiopian main language) is synonymous with the word Wisdom. Artisans and craftsmen at K Design produce classical Ethiopia weaving and embroidery at its best. A family- owned business, K Design was established more than 50 years ago by the late Mrs. Kidist Haile (hence the name K Design). Since the early 1950s, K-Design has grown to a midsized industry. K-Design's primary focus has been on accessories and custom-tailored women's clothes made in line with Ethiopian and European styles.

Salem’s Ethiopia provides beautiful, authentic Ethiopian jewelry, home accessories, and gifts. We deliver quality designs that highlight the rich culture and history of Ethiopia while empowering Ethiopian craftspeople.Salem’s is committed to giving back to the community. Nuturing the talent within Addis Ababa’s artisans not only improves their self-esteem and self-worth but enriches and preserves our Ethiopian culture. Salem’s is also committed to a fair return for all employees and co-op partners.JewelleryOur quality, hand-made jewelry is unique and always one of kind! It weaves together traditional Ethiopian history with contemporary design to create a personalized style. We use glass beads, gemstones, and precious metals from around Africa, as well as Ethiopia.From the LoomOur stock consists of unique designs hand woven on traditional looms by craftsmen of a trade that remains virtually unchanged for the past millenia. Salem’s carries a selection of individually designed scarves and home accessories.BasketryThe ancient Ethiopian tradition of basketry takes on a whole new form at Salem’s. Using dyed grasses we are able to create a range of color palettes, shapes, and sizes to accomodate the needs of the modern home. Salem's Design is more than a craft store; Salem's provides a traditional cultural shopping experience with contemporary, creative designs. Every piece holds an Ethiopian story, weaving together the people who make the crafts with the tradition of cotton spinning, basket weaving or embroidery, the religious significance of each regional cross, the tribal importance of beaded jewelry or the pure cotton scarves. Salem's Design is living history, telling the stories of Ethiopia as it courageously battled wars, bonded religions and empowered its people through artwork.