History

Beginnings

Safdico's provenance goes back as far as 1961, when Cecil Cohen successfully joined forces with Leon Krochmal. Their diamond-cutting factory opened in 1969 and by 1978, the company was employing over one hundred people.

The 1980's however, saw challenging times as the diamond industry struggled, but the companys fortunes were to change forever with the arrival of Brian Gutkin and Johnny Kneller in 1985.

Years of growth

Their natural leadership qualities led to a series of buyouts, which culminated in the opening of the Krochmal and Cohen Company. Today, suitably named Safdico RSA, the company employs over 200 people at its Johannesburg plant.

In 1998, the company continued to flourish with the arrival of Laurence Graff, the London jeweller. “His input and presence led to the formation of Safdico (South African Diamond Corporation) with Krochmal and Cohen becoming a subsidiary”

Continued success

In 1999 Safdico opened new offices in Geneva and New York, with the opening of a subsequent polishing plant in Antwerp.

In 2008, Safdico developed Diamond Technology Park to house Botswana’s blossoming diamond industry in an efficient, secure location. The Park was launched by his Honourable Minister, Dr PHK Kedikilwe in 2009 and has established itself as a veritable diamond hub home to the entire diamond pipeline including Sightholders, the GIA, jewellery manufacturers, banks, courier companies, mining groups, the Government’s Diamond Office, the Diamond Hub and many more.

Safdico opened a rough and polished sales office in Tel Aviv in January 2011. Safdico Israel, in Ramat Gan’s Yahalom building started doing brisk business from inception with the purveyance of many important diamonds

Our continuing success is based on a thorough understanding of the business combined with exceptional manufacturing brilliance.