Press Reports of New Rules at Browns

November 2009

We’d like to clarify recent reports in the press. It is true that an employee of Browns was apprehended while trying to smuggle out gold stuffed in a cooked chicken. The employee was detained while passing through a security check point.

At Browns each piece of jewellery is individually numbered. This unique serial number allows us to trace the exact movement of the piece through our workshop allowing us to guarantee the quality throughout the manufacturing process. Part of our procedures are to routinely visit dubious dealers who trade in fine metals, diamonds and gold. These dealers are known to buy stolen jewellery, often at the enormous cost of lives. They are also renowned for the selling of counterfeit pieces. By monitoring these businesses we are able to identify any Browns jewellery and proceed with internal investigations to confirm the rightful owner. One such investigation led us to upgrade our metal detectors. Staff were advised prior to implementation and were requested to avoid wearing any metal.

At Browns The Diamond Store we pride ourselves on our excellent relationships with our employees. Our standards are high and the working environment friendly. We are considered to be the employee of choice in the industry. It is regrettable that in this case we were forced to take drastic action.

We’d like to thank the Rosebank police for their speedy response which resulted in an arrest. It is clear that the President’s call for a crime free South Africa has been taken to heart. The matter is currently under investigation and no further information can be revealed at this time.