tours cape town south africa
Experiences at The Diamond Works Institute
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Cape Town, The Diamond Works Institute offers an immersive journey into the world of diamonds and tanzanite.
Visitors can explore the history, myths, and origins of these rare gemstones, see master cutters shaping diamonds and tanzanite in our live polishing studio, and watch fine jewellery being crafted just a few metres away. The experience includes optional wine and chocolate tastings, links to the famous Kimberley Mine story, and guided or self-guided tours designed for individuals, families, couples, and tour groups. Walk in or book ahead — our team is ready to welcome you.
Free tour in Cape Town
Begin your visit with a glass of South African bubbly or a cappuccino before your guide customises the experience to your interests. Whether you’re curious about tanzanite or diamond history, famous gemstones, or the technical side of jewellery crafting, your tour is tailored to what fascinates you most.
Free activity in Cape Town
Step into the late 1800s with The Diamond Works Institute’s virtual reality experience. Inside a geometric VR pod on the showroom floor, you’ll slip on a headset and find yourself deep inside the Kimberley Mine during South Africa’s diamond rush. A British miner guides you through the chaos and excitement, sharing stories, tools and artefacts while you search for a diamond of your own. This five-minute VR journey brings the diamond-rush era to life far more vividly than any history book, offering a unique portal into the original Kimberley Minefields.
Augmented Reality Experience with the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Necklace
Ever wondered what it’s like to step onto the red carpet wearing one of the world’s most famous diamonds? Our augmented reality photo booth lets you see yourself adorned with the legendary Taylor-Burton Diamond in Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic necklace. You can add extra sparkle with one of the costume tiaras outside the booth, snap a few glamorous selfies, and download your red-carpet portrait straight to your phone. It’s a fun, immersive experience inspired by the dazzling history of the Taylor-Burton Diamond – a gemstone celebrated for its exceptional size, value, and timeless Hollywood story.
Deetlefs White Pinotage and Afrikoa Chocolate Tastings
Gems, chocolate, and wine share a deep African connection. Just as tanzanite forms in Tanzania’s ancient volcanic earth and diamonds develop over millions of years beneath African terrain, vineyards, grapes, and cocoa beans express the same powerful natural forces. Every flavour — from a white Pinotage grown in South African soil to chocolate made from Tanzanian cocoa — carries the imprint of Africa’s climate and geological history.
At The Diamond Works Institute in Cape Town, you can explore this connection through a combined gemstones, wine, and chocolate tasting experience. Enjoy three expressions of South Africa’s famed Pinotage from Deetlefs, one of the country’s oldest estates, while discovering the stories behind Africa’s rare gemstones.
Encounter an Authentic Heritage Experience – EXTRAORDINARY CONNECTION TO THE HOMELAND
HUMANITY LEGACY with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
The building blocks of what South Africa, Africa is all about. Discover South Africa’s journey and who it is today. Enjoy a private exhibition experience highlighting the life and work of Nobel Peace Prize winner and South African icon, Desmond Tutu.
UBUNTU : “I am, because we are.”
The Foundation stands as a vibrant platform for “uncompromised bravery”—amplifying youth leadership, facilitating transformative conversations, and ensuring the Tutu legacy continues to inspire justice, dignity, and unity across South Africa and beyond.
Custom Jewellery Design Experience
Create your own custom jewellery piece with our third-generation master goldsmiths, Russell and Nathan Lavigre. This father-and-son team brings decades of experience to each bespoke design — Russell with 28 years at the bench and Nathan with a lifetime immersed in the craft. They’ll guide you through what’s possible, advising on the best stone shapes, settings, and materials to suit your vision. Every piece they create blends local metals, African gemstones, and generations of South African craftsmanship, resulting in jewellery that’s personal, expertly made, and truly one-of-a-kind.
The process is a step by step journey in creating your one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery;
Exclusive Jewellery Making Workshop
Each workshop features a guided hands-on workshop by skilled goldsmith Russell Lavigre sharing the details of the featured metal and a greater understanding of the metal.
Mark Gieljoumie, GIA certified Gemmologist introduces the gem that will be included into the jewellery design, sharing the not often spoken secrets of what makes each special stone.
Duration: 2 hours
Jewellery Workshops are a private experience and can be scheduled for groups of 8 or more in advance.
An unforgettable way to create and hold memories in celebration of visiting South Africa, celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
FAQs
Are the tours family-friendly?
Yes, the tours are accessible to all ages (apart from the Deetlefs wine tasting). Tweens, teens, and young adults will especially enjoy the AR photo booth for dazzling selfies, and there is a safe relaxation corner with activity books, high-speed Wi-Fi, sofas, coffee, chocolate, and a laptop counter.
Do the experiences appeal to adults or kids?
The experiences are interesting for both kids and adults and are tweaked according to the audience. The exhibits are interactive, with elements like AR and VR experiences that appeal to younger ages and elements like fascinating information boards for adults.
Do I have to book, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in or book if you prefer. For bigger groups, booking is advised. Booking ahead also gives us a chance to better customise your experience.
Are the tours and experiences free?
The Signature Tanzanite and Diamond Tour, AR and VR experiences, and viewing the collections are all free (of all the free activities in Cape Town, these are the most sparkling!) Please enquire about the Deetlefs Wine Tasting and Afrikoa Chocolate Tasting, as the price is dependent on how many people and tastings are involved. Appointments with our master goldsmiths for custom jewellery design are free, and they will provide you with a quote for your pieces.
Do I have to tour the exhibits with a guide, or can I browse at my leisure?
You can browse at your leisure and/or book with one of our knowledgeable guides to show you around – they know all the fascinating stories and have in-depth knowledge about all things diamonds and tanzanite.
How do I book my tour/experience?
You can call 021 425 1970 or email [email protected]
Are you open seven days a week and on public holidays?
We are open every day from 9 am to 7 pm and on public holidays.