First Diamonds, Cape Town’s acclaimed diamond merchant and bespoke jewellery studio, is adding extra sparkle to luxury lifestyle with the launch of its innovative Diamant Classique.

“We want to bring together two of the finest products South Africa has to offer – diamonds and wine – in a product that is entirely locally made,” explains Heidi Wahl, Brand and Marketing Manager for First Diamonds, a ‘first-of-hand’ diamond merchant and jewellery design studio boasting decades of experience in the local and international diamond trade.

While celebrities and savvy Capetonians have long turned to First Diamonds for both fine jewellery and world-class cut diamonds, Diamant Classique is an innovative new opportunity for both locals and tourists to add a dose of glamour and sparkle to special occasions all year round.

At first glance Diamant Classique appears as simply an elegantly-packaged bottle of Méthode Cap Classique, but each bottle of sparkling wine holds a remarkable surprise that is revealed as the final glass of bubbly is poured: a ¼-carat diamond encased in a striking blown-glass capsule designed to be worn as a pendant.

Although ideal for any celebratory moment, the Diamant Classique is the perfect choice for romantics planning to get down on one knee over the holiday season.

Explaining the thinking behind this ground-breaking new offering, Wahl says: “With many of our clients we find that they’re not sure what style of ring to buy before popping the question. With Diamant Classique the client is able to both purchase a fine diamond and create a memorable proposal, and then come in afterwards with their partner to discuss the style of ring they would like created.”

While a ¼-carat Round brilliant cut is the standard offering in each bottle of Diamant Classique, ½-carat (two stones) and one-carat (four stones) options are also available, as well as more bespoke creations.

“With sufficient notice we can create entirely unique bottles of Diamant Classique that include diamonds up to three carats in size,” explains Wahl.

And it is, of course, the diamonds that make Diamant Classique such a sparkling new product. First Diamonds is one of the most sought-after diamond merchants in South Africa, offering a bespoke personalised experience at their elegant diamond studio in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre. The respected Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certifies the bulk of their diamonds which “are sourced direct from mine to market in strict accordance with the Kimberley Process,” says Wahl.

While the diamonds are of impeccable quality, the sparkling wine itself is no less remarkable. To create Diamond Classique, the acclaimed Stellenbosch estate Simonsig was brought on board to bring this remarkable new product to life. Simonsig was the first wine estate in South Africa to use the French Méthode Champenoise technique of secondary bottle fermentation to create sparkling wines, and today cellar master Johan Malan is considered one of the pre-eminent producers of South African Méthode Cap Classique.

Diamant Classique, with its diamond sparkle, is currently available as:

Brut 2012: A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that brings berry and baked apple notes to a complex palate lightened by a fresh mousse and zesty aromas of yellow apples and citrus.

Brut Rosé 2014: A uniquely South African sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, Pinotage and Pinot Meunier. Careful blending results in a wine balancing youthful berry on the nose with extraordinary finesse on the palate.

Cuvée Brut Royal 2010: The flagship Diamant Classique is a remarkable Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay. Five years spent maturing on the lees before disgorgement with minimal dosage ensures a deliciously dry Cap Classique brimming with brioche notes.

Aside from the fine wine on offer, the eye-catching packaging hints from the start that this is not your average bottle of bubbly. The gleaming polished aluminium case is wrapped in elegantly tailored suede detailing. A deep burgundy red for the Rosé, jet-black for Brut and a striking royal blue for the premium Brut Cuvée.

Diamant Classique is available from selected fine dining establishments, as well as direct from First Diamonds. Shipping worldwide can be arranged on request. Diamant Classique is priced from USD895 per bottle.