The Dutch Diamond Trade: Amsterdam's Sparkling Golden Age

In this episode of The Story of the Netherlands, Lucas and Luna explore how Amsterdam became the world's diamond capital during the Golden Age. They trace the journey from Indian mines to the city's polishing workshops, where Jewish refugees from Antwerp brought expertise that transformed rough stones into dazzling gems. The conversation covers the role of the VOC in importing diamonds, the Jewish community's dominance in the trade, and the technical innovations of the diamond-cutting industry. Listeners will learn about Abraham van der Weyde, the first to document diamond polishing, and the significance of the Amsterdam diamond exchange. The episode also touches on the darker side of the trade, including colonial extraction and the exploitation of Indian laborers. A nuanced look at how a luxury commodity shaped Amsterdam's economy and culture.

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