Located at Cape Town’s Waterfront, smack in the middle of the world-famous Clock Tower precinct, the Cape Town Diamond Museum honours the world’s most precious gem; the diamond. As a gift from Shimansky to the Mother City, in this museum, you can learn all about the tale of the diamond, from its first discovery to its final stage as a polished stone.
The tour began with complimentary bubbly, with a twist. Inside each glass was a small diamond with a laser inscription. The one with the lucky gem stood to win a prize revealed at the end! (The lucky winner was not me, alas).
Next, a comprehensive history was given about diamonds and the industry. There was also some mining gear and historical artifacts.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum also boasts many famous diamond replicas on display, such as…
The Centenary Diamond. This 273 85 carats stone was found in 1986 by an electric X-ray recovery system at the Premier Mine In the rough, it was very irregular and presented problems to reshape, but De De Beers managed to unveil the world’s second-largest modern-cut diamond.
The De Beers. Weighing a total of 234.65 carats, this impressive octahedral crystal was found in the De Beers Mine, not long after the company was established. This gem is also known as the seventh-largest multifaceted diamond in the world.
The Hope Diamond. This world-famous diamond received its name from Henry Thomas Hope, was discovered centuries ago in India. Prior to its association with bad luck imposed on its owners, the Hope diamond was believed to possess mystical power, embedded in its unusual size and deep indigo blue colour.
The next leg of the tour showed dedicated workers in the creation process, before proceeding to the main showroom. This room showcased more than ten display cases, each filled with unique designs. Guests were also offered some lovely snacks, as well as a small chocolate to take home.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum requires bookings in advance, but it is definitely a must when visiting the Mother City. For bookings, visit their site here.
Pictures: Taylah Strauss, Cape Town Diamond Museum
Videos: Taylah Strauss
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