What is a Brilliant Cut Diamond?

brilliant cut diamonds | Cape Town Diamond Museum

Have you ever heard the expression, Rome wasn’t built in a day? The same applies to the creation of the perfect diamond cut. Today, the most popular diamond shape for an engagement ring is the round brilliant cut diamond. The diamond took more than six centuries and multiple craftsmen from one generation to the next […]

For the Love of Diamonds and Art

For the Love of Diamonds and Art | Cape Town Diamond Museum

When it comes to diamonds, the symbolic meaning is just as powerful as the stone itself. The shapes, textures and materials all play a role in creating a powerful message that speaks to the world. Art has the same effect. Just like diamonds, artwork can be extremely mesmerising. Every art painting, sculpture or drawing contributes […]

Top 10 Engagement Ring Styles of 2017

Top 10 Diamond rings | Cape Town Diamond Museum

The very first recorded engagement ring was from Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg to his future wife, Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Ever since then engagement rings have taken on different shapes and forms accommodating different personalities and styles. Throughout the years technological advances in the field of diamonds have made it possible to create new […]

Best Places to Propose in Cape Town

A romantic Cape Town proposal. Couple embracing in front of Table Mountain and Lions Head in Cape Town, South Africa. Image courtesy of https://shimansky.com | Cape Town Diamond Museum

Are you planning to get engaged, but you haven’t found the perfect proposal location yet? Look no further! Cape Town offers a range of spectacular locations that are just perfect for a magical and unforgettable proposal. From breathtakingly gorgeous wine farms to mountain tops; the beautiful city has a variety of options that are suitable […]

Why Elizabeth Taylor Loved Diamonds

Why Elizabeth Taylor Loved Diamonds | Cape Town Diamond Museum

When it comes to love there’s nothing Elizabeth Taylor didn’t experience. The actress was frequently referred to as a hopeless romantic due to her countless marriages. In her lifetime, Elizabeth got married eight times, twice to the same man. But, it wasn’t her romances with men that truly made headlines. Instead, Elizabeth started a love […]

You Won’t Believe Where Diamonds Come From

A colorless/clear rough diamond amongst rocks, seen before it is mined, cut and polished. | Cape Town Diamond Museum

A diamond’s beauty is undeniable and it didn’t take long for these rare and magnificent gemstones to sparkle their way into our hearts. Today, diamonds are a customary way to celebrate engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, and life’s special moments. But where do diamonds come from? A Falling Star The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were […]

How to Tell if Your Diamond is Real or Fake

How to Tell if Your Diamond is Real or Fake | Cape Town Diamond Museum

She’s the love of your life, and you’re planning to propose. After months of searching, you finally found the perfect ring. But since the diamond is an investment in your love you want to make sure you get it right. Ever wonder how to tell if a diamond is real or fake? Well, with a […]

The World’s Largest Diamond: The Cullinan

The World's Largest Diamond: The Cullinan | Cape Town Diamond Museum

Imagine you’re busy with a routine inspection through a mine in the early 1900’s when something shiny catches your eye. You look over only to discover that the shiny object is indeed a diamond as large as your fist. What would you do? Well, this is what happened to the superintendent, Frederick Wells when he […]

What Your Diamond Shape Says About You

The Cullinan was discovered in South Africa. | Cape Town Diamond Museum

Before you get down on one knee it’s important to consider what the shape of a diamond in your ring represents. Ask questions like, does it suit her style? Is it a shape that will reflect her personality? It’s good to keep this in mind as the diamond shape speaks volumes of the individual itself. […]

Biggest Diamond auctions of 2016

Biggest Diamond auctions of 2016 | Cape Town Diamond Museum

The diamond auctions of 2016 delivered a year of surprising highs and lows. Several high-profile gemstones and jewellery collections failed to sell, while others achieved record-breaking prices. In recent years, pink and blue diamonds have become some of the most valuable gemstones at auction. In 2016, a rare green diamond also joined the list of […]