TaTe Diamonds has made a notable entry into the competitive US jewellery scene, establishing a strong presence in Atlanta through a series of well-attended boutique events.
The company’s debut is viewed as a strategic expansion into a market that has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by demographic shifts, celebrity migration and a fragmented luxury jewellery landscape.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tangeni taShi Shiimi-Ya-Shiimi said that by targeting mid- to high-end buyers and emphasising provenance and sustainability, TaTe Diamonds is positioning itself as a differentiated brand with a strong storytelling approach that resonates with Atlanta’s affluent clientele.
Shiimi-Ya-Shiimi said Atlanta was selected not only because of personal ties, but also due to its evolving market dynamics, as celebrity migration and changing demographics have altered buying patterns and created opportunities for brands offering differentiated luxury products.
He said the company aims to leverage this environment to establish a high-end presence.
Shiimi-Ya-Shiimi highlighted that TaTe Diamonds’ ocean-recovered stones offer a storytelling element that is highly valued by clients. He explained that the company’s direct sourcing from ocean operations allows for limited handling and exceptional traceability, an approach he said is rare in a market where most competitors rely on multi-step supply chains.
“The uniqueness of our diamonds comes from the story behind each stone and the sustainable recovery from the ocean. Clients respond to knowing that a diamond has a traceable origin and has been handled minimally. It allows us to offer a personal, almost bespoke experience that is different from traditional retail jewellery,” Shiimi-Ya-Shiimi said.
He added that the company’s supply-chain design reduces risk and ensures quality, providing clients with confidence in authenticity. By limiting intermediaries, TaTe retains control over both certification and branding, allowing stones to be marked with the TaTe logo.
He said this step reinforces the guarantee of provenance and enhances the luxury positioning of the brand.
Shiimi-Ya-Shiimi also said the TaTe marking is paired with Gemological Institute of America certification and serves as a differentiator for discerning buyers. While the initiative is being rolled out gradually in the US, it has already attracted interest from clients seeking premium, verified diamonds, as he stressed that client education and storytelling are central to market adoption.
“Our strategy is not just about the diamond itself, but about educating clients on its journey. We integrate provenance, certification and narrative to create a luxury experience. This makes our offerings appealing to buyers who value exclusivity and verified sourcing,” he said.
He further explained that the GIA’s Source Verification Programme strengthens market credibility, with quarterly audits confirming the company’s single-source claims. The audits ensure that no external stones enter the supply chain, protecting TaTe’s brand integrity and supporting its marketing claims.
The development follows TaTe Diamonds’ expansion into the United States in June this year, when the company, Namibia’s first fully Namibian-owned diamond firm, opened its flagship showroom in Atlanta.
The showroom, located in the Buckhead luxury district, marks TaTe Diamonds’ formal entry into the US market and offers the full collection, including the new EZIMO Collection, which celebrates Namibian cultural heritage and is inspired by the Oshiwambo expression meaning “My People. My Clan. My Family. Our Collective.”
