The Dutch Diamond Trade: Antwerp Refugees Spark Amsterdam's Sparkle

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Amsterdam became the world's diamond capital. They trace the origins to the late 16th century, when Sephardic Jewish diamond cutters and merchants fled the Spanish Inquisition from Antwerp to Amsterdam. Lucas explains the craft of diamond polishing—using the scaif, a rotating iron disk coated with diamond dust—and how the Dutch perfected the art. He discusses the rise of the diamond bourse, the role of the VOC in importing rough stones from India (especially Golconda), and the later shift to South African diamonds after the 1867 discovery. The conversation touches on the infamous Hope Diamond, which passed through Dutch hands, and concludes with the cultural legacy: Amsterdam's diamond district and the enduring phrase 'diamonds are forever', popularized by Dutch polishers. Throughout, key terms like 'scaif', 'Golconda', 'Hope Diamond', and 'Sephardic' are woven into the narrative.

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