###Highlights from the collection###
Let yourself be enchanted by glittering gemstones and discover four centuries of diamond history at the Diamond Museum Amsterdam. In this small temporary exhibition you will see the highlights of the collection, while the museum prepares for its new location. You will discover how Amsterdam grew into the City of Diamonds and meet the cleavers and polishers who shaped the gemstones of entire empires.
###From rough stone to sparkling jewel###
The journey begins three billion years ago, two hundred kilometres beneath the earth's surface, and ends with the diamond on your finger. You will learn how diamonds are formed and cut, how humankind's passion for diamonds developed and what role power and wealth play in this story. Four centuries of trade and craftsmanship made Amsterdam the centre of the international diamond trade.
###Famous diamonds and crown jewels###
You will discover replicas of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Cullinan, the Hope, the Orlov, the Regent and the rare Moussaieff Red. You will also see remarkable objects such as a katana sword of Murano glass, set with 1,967 diamonds and 494 rubies, and a diamond Ape Skull with 17,000 brilliants, inspired by the diamond-encrusted human skull by Damien Hirst. Replicas of famous crown jewels complete the experience: the coronation crown of Louis XV, the Imperial State Crown of England, the Russian imperial tiara, Napoleon's golden laurel wreath and the jewels of the House of Orange-Nassau.
###Practical information###
The Diamond Museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam, a stone's throw from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The exhibition is self-guided, the texts are in English and a visit takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This temporary presentation can be seen until 31 December 2027, while the museum is being renovated and relocated.
