Why Diamonds are such Objects of Desire

Diamond fever—the sparkling cultural history of the hardest stone in the world.
They're the epitome of glamor, status—and romance. They grace the heads of kings and queens—or sparkle on the fingers, necks, or even teeth of countless hip-hop artists.
The precious stones have been traded for more than 2000 years. The first ones arrived in Europe from India and quickly became objects of desire and symbols of eternity.
For Arts Unveiled, DW reporter Karin Helmstaedt traveled to South Africa—one of the most important source countries for diamonds. In the depths of the Cullinan Diamond Mine, more than 800 meters underground, she learns about where diamonds were formed some three billion years ago. The world's largest diamond to date was also found here in 1905.
Karin visits the DIVA Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, which displays magnificent diamonds and jewelry—with shining examples of centuries-old craftsmanship. We learn how Antwerp became the world capital of diamonds and why the business was long dominated by Jewish traders and diamond cutters.
Some 160 km away, in Amsterdam, she gains insight into the art of diamond cutting. But we also take a look behind the shimmering surface to how conflict diamonds have influenced our understanding of what diamonds represent, especially in Africa. A diamond is forever—this was one famous diamond company's advertising campaign. Really? Nowadays, synthetic diamonds—meaning those produced in a laboratory—are competing with natural diamonds, not only because they're considered less resource-intensive and therefore more socially responsible. But natural diamonds can and do have positive social impact – and an enduring allure.
Let diamond fever inspire you and join us on a journey into the past and future of this coveted gemstone.

With special thanks to:

Petra Diamonds https://www.petradiamonds.com
DIVA Diamond Museum https://www.divaantwerp.be
Royal Coster Diamonds https://www.royalcoster.com
Diamond Museum Amsterdam https://www.diamondmuseum.com
HB Antwerp https://hbantwerp.com
Antwerp World Diamond Centre https://www.awdc.be
Cape Town Diamond Museum https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org
Clara Diamond Solutions https://claradiamonds.ca
Taschen Verlag https://www.taschen.com


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00:00 Introduction
01:43 A Diamond Deep Dive
06:36 Diamonds in rhe Rough (with DIVA Diamond Museum)
11:38 Birth of a Global Industry (with Aja Raden)
14:11 Demystifying Diamonds (with Evan Smith and Pauline Willemse of Royal Coster Diamonds)
18:09 Sparkling Storytellers (with Reena Ahluwalia and Vikki Tobak)
21:01 Powering Prosperity (with Satta Matturi, Thelma West, Molefi Letsiki, and TheDiamondsGirl)