The Cape Town Diamond Museum can be found in the lively heart of the famous Clock Tower precinct at the V&A Waterfront, conveniently situated close to the gateway to Robben Island. The museum is unique, being the only one of its kind in Cape Town, and the first to pay homage to the extraordinary story of the South African diamond industry.
Visitors are invited to explore the history, romance and realities of the history of diamonds. When diamonds were first discovered? Who wore the first diamond engagement ring? When were diamonds discovered in South Africa? What is the most famous diamond in the world? All these stories are told with originality, style and sophistication.
The museum features a number of authentic artefacts from our diamond mining history. You can even walk through a replica mine shaft, complete with realistic sound and lighting. As you emerge from this journey into the past, the knowledgeable guides will impart gems of intriguing facts about the era - famous rivalries, fascinating discoveries and romantic gestures.
South Africa has produced some of the world's largest, most valuable and memorable diamonds, including the Cullinan, the Hope and the Taylor Burton. Exact replicas of the world's most famous and exquisite diamonds can be admired on display at the museum, which is designed to ensure that visitors feel the excitement and mystery around these iconic gems, and leave feeling enriched with knowledge.
The entire journey of diamonds is tracked, from mine to finger - how they were shaped billions of years ago deep beneath the Earth's surface to how they are cut and polished. The cutting and polishing process can be viewed at first-hand at the museum. Visitors this month will be afforded the unique opportunity to hold a rough, uncut diamond.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum is open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm. Entrance is free. For more information, go to www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org or call +27 (0)21 421 2488 for bookings.
