TFG’s newest jewel, 1896, isn’t just a jewellery brand — it’s a movement redefining what modern luxury means. Fiercely bold, proudly African, and deeply symbolic, 1896 celebrates the spirit of innovation, strength, and self-expression.
Opening on 13 November 2025 at Menlyn Park, Pretoria, 1896 represents a new era in fine jewellery — where craftsmanship meets technology and heritage meets modern design. Every piece tells a story, crafted to be lived in, loved, and passed down, proving that beauty belongs in every moment, not just on special occasions.
The name 1896 carries powerful meaning. It marks a year when South Africa’s courage and imagination shone bright — a year of discovery, diamonds, and the birth of icons American Swiss and Sterns. Now, nearly 130 years later, that pioneering spirit returns as a revolution in jewellery design.
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“With 1896, we’re creating fine jewellery that feels modern, meaningful, and truly wearable — pieces that connect generations, whether you’re 18 or 96,” says Shani Naidoo, Group Director of Retail at The Foschini Group.
At the core of the 1896 logo lies an intricate symbol inspired by the hearts and arrows effect — a rare optical phenomenon seen in only the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds. This emblem mirrors the brand’s essence: balance, clarity, and enduring beauty.
But 1896 is not just about elegance — it’s about evolution. In an age shaped by AI, lab-grown diamonds, and cutting-edge metallurgy, the brand embraces innovation through precision engineering, bespoke alloys, and advanced setting techniques.
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“We’re not just creating jewellery; we’re creating a movement,” says Shelley Wilkinson-Rorich, Head of Design & Innovation at 1896. “Luxury today should be bold, modern, and accessible — exclusive doesn’t have to mean expensive, but it must be exceptional.”
The Menlyn Park flagship store captures this ethos — a modern sanctuary of light, artistry, and emotion. Inside, customers can explore signature diamond collections, sculptural gold pieces, and statement designs, alongside a curated selection of Swiss timepieces from Tissot, Longines, Ebel, Rado, Raymond Weil, Maurice Lacroix, and Frédérique Constant.
1896 is not merely worn — it’s carried.
It’s your story, told in gold and diamond.
It’s the spirit of 1896 — reborn in 2025.
