tours cape town south africa
Experiences at The Diamond Works Institute
There are many exciting experiences behind the sparkle at Diamonds Works Institute. Arrive solo, as a family, with your fiancé, with friends, in a tour group – whatever your company style – and explore the history of diamonds and tanzanite, their legends, myths, and celebrity owners.
Watch these gems being cut and fine jewellery being made in our artisan workshop just metres in front of your nose and sample South Africa’s famous wine and chocolate from the heart of Africa, where the cocoa beans come from the same earth as tanzanite. Step onto the red carpet or back in time into the depths of the Kimberley Mine.
You are welcome to book or simply walk in and explore at your leisure or with a Diamond Works’ guide. We’ll be waiting to welcome you.
Free tour in Cape Town
Start with a glass of South African bubbly or a creamy cappuccino while your guide gets a sense of what fascinates you most. They will then tweak the tour to your interests, whether it’s tanzanite or diamond history, celebrity diamonds, the more technical aspects, or a combination of interests.
Usually, we start with the history exhibit, which houses real pieces from Kimberley’s diamond rush from the 19th and 20th centuries. Your guide will tell you the stories behind the miners’ belongings, original scales that weighed rough diamonds, and a life-size replica of the Cullinan Diamond that forever changed South Africa’s diamond story. You can also explore the Kimberley Mine yourself with the help of virtual reality (read more about our VR experience below).
We then move on to our artisan workshop, where you can peer through glass screens into working studios, watching our diamond cutters transform rough stones into brilliant gems and our master resident goldsmiths creating custom jewellery pieces.
Finally, the tour takes you to the bling, with the exhibits about royal, celebrity, and iconic diamonds and tanzanite and, of course, our glittering jewellery collections themselves.
The showroom holds everything from black diamonds to fancy yellow diamonds and tanzanite – a gem found only in a single 4km strip of Tanzanian earth. Your guide might share how this extraordinary stone baffled gemologists when first discovered in 1967 or tell tales of historic diamonds that changed hands between royalty and Hollywood stars.
Free activity in Cape Town
Step back to the late 1800s in The Diamond Works Institute’s virtual reality ‘time machine’. Inside an intriguing geometric structure on the showroom floor, slip on a VR headset and find yourself in the depths of the Kimberley Mine, South Africa, during the diamond rush. A British miner will appear before you, sharing tales of diamond fever while you explore his personal belongings and hunt for a diamond of your own! The five-minute journey brings the diamond rush to life in a way history books never could.
This unique experience portals you to the Kimberley Diamond Minefields.
The Kimberley Hole, officially called the Big Hole, is famous because it’s one of the world’s largest hand-dug excavations and a symbol of South Africa’s diamond rush.
Here’s why it became world-renowned:
A Massive Hand-Dug Marvel
- Dug entirely by pick, shovel, and sheer human labour between 1871 and 1914.
- Dimensions today: about 215 metres deep, 463 metres wide, and covers 17 hectares.
- No heavy machinery at the start — it’s an extraordinary example of 19th-century mining effort.
The Diamond Rush
- Triggered by the discovery of diamonds in 1871 on Colesberg Kopje, leading to a diamond rush that brought thousands of fortune seekers from around the world to Kimberley.
- It transformed a quiet farmland into one of the fastest-growing and richest towns in southern Africa.
Incredible Diamond Yield
- Produced over 14.5 million carats (≈2,900 kg) of diamonds in its lifetime.
- Included some of the world’s most famous gems, which fuelled South Africa’s reputation as a diamond powerhouse.
Birthplace of De Beers
- Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato consolidated claims here, forming De Beers Consolidated Mines, which became one of the most powerful diamond companies in history.
Historic & Cultural Symbol
- The Big Hole symbolises the industrial and social changes brought by mining: rapid urbanisation, migration, and the rise of large mining corporations.
- It also holds a complex legacy tied to colonialism, labour exploitation, and segregation.
After diving into the Big Hole and attempting to mine your very own virtual diamond, discover more about life in Kimberley through The Diamond Works Institute’s visual displays and artefact exhibition.
A replica of the world’s largest gem quality diamond ever found in history can be viewed, the Cullinan diamond, a gem-grade stone weighing 3,106.75 carats unearthed in 1905.Discovered at Premier Mine (Cullinan), South Africa. Renowned for its exceptional clarity and size. The largest portion, Cullinan I (the Great Star of Africa), is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Augmented Reality Experience with the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Necklace
Ever wondered what it must feel like to be a diamond-donned Hollywood starlet? Our special augmented reality photo booth allows you to see yourself on the red carpet wearing the Taylor-Burton Diamond in Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary necklace. For extra sparkle, grab one of the costume tiaras hanging outside the booth or take a few dazzling selfies. You can also download a photo of your red-carpet alter-ego onto your phone. It’s quite the rush!
“BIG GIRLS NEED BIG DIAMONDS” – Elizabeth Taylor -The Queen of Diamonds
The Taylor-Burton Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in modern history, known for its extraordinary size, value, and the legendary romance behind it.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond is one of the most celebrated gems in modern history, famed as much for its beauty as for its glamorous owners. Weighing 69.42 carats, this pear-shaped, flawless diamond was cut from a 240.80-carat rough discovered in 1966 at South Africa’s Premier Mine.
It was purchased by actor Richard Burton for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, after a highly publicised bidding war. Auctioned in 1969 by Cartier and bought for $1.1 million by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor, renamed the Taylor-Burton Diamond.
Set first as a ring and later as a necklace, the diamond became an enduring symbol of Hollywood romance, opulence, and Taylor’s legendary jewellery collection. Due to its size, she had it set both as a necklace and occasionally in a ring (though too heavy to wear on the finger comfortably).
A diamond fit for royalty – Elizabeth Taylor wore it at Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday party and to the Academy Awards.
From Love to Legacy – After her divorce in 1978, Taylor sold the diamond and the proceeds (~$5M) were used in part to build a hospital in Botswana, further cementing its place in both celebrity lore and philanthropic history.
Deetlefs White Pinotage and Afrikoa Chocolate Tastings
Gems, chocolate, and wine are all connected. Like the tanzanite formed in Tanzania’s ancient earth and the diamonds shaped by millions of years of African geological forces, vineyards, grapes, and cocoa beans are pure expressions of African terrain. Each taste – whether it’s a white Pinotage born from South African soil or chocolate from Tanzanian cocoa beans – carries the signature of the continent’s unique climate and ancient volcanic history.
At The Diamond Works Institute in Cape Town, you can experience Africa’s gems, wine, and chocolate with a combined tour and tasting. Sip your way through three shades of Pinotage, South Africa’s famed varietal, from Deetlefs, an esteemed wine estate dating back to 1822 in the Western Cape.
You can also choose an Afrikoa chocolate tasting – this African-born brand uses cocoa beans from Tanzania, making it the perfect accompaniment to viewing and learning about the violet-blue gems found in the same earth as cacao trees – tanzanite.
Afrikoa is our chosen partner as they operate in direct trade. Direct Trade connects cocoa farmers with chocolate makers, without any middlemen, in a way that they become dependent on each other´s success, ethics, and professionalism. Direct Trade is so much more than Fair Trade as it does not depend on grants or fines, but rather on really sharing the value created by selling the chocolate.
By trading directly with cocoa farmers, they earn significantly more than they would if middlemen were involved. The farmers are able to support their families, they are invested in and rewarded for producing the finest-quality cocoa beans and you can enjoy our chocolate knowing that it isn’t at the expense of somebody else.
With appreciation to truly African and South African products and resources we share the story of the Pinotage grape.
Pinotage is special because it’s a uniquely South African grape variety, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (then called Hermitage). This homegrown cultivar combines the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir with the hardiness and bold fruit flavours of Cinsaut, resulting in wines that are distinctly rich, smoky, and full-bodied, often with notes of dark berries, plum, coffee, and chocolate. Pinotage thrives in South Africa’s diverse terroirs, producing styles ranging from robust reds to refreshing rosés and even Cape-style sparkling wines. Beyond its taste, it holds cultural pride as a symbol of South Africa’s winemaking ingenuity and resilience, representing a flavour profile found nowhere else in the world.
Origin Truffle Tasting – R100 pp
Chocolate with added Pinotage Experience – R150pp
Bookings are essential
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.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu is iconic for his unwavering moral leadership and joyful spirit in the face of injustice. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he became one of the most prominent voices in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, advocating for nonviolent resistance and reconciliation rather than revenge. Known for his infectious laugh, deep compassion, and fearless truth-telling, Tutu championed human rights globally, speaking out against oppression, poverty, and discrimination in all forms. As chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he helped guide the nation toward healing after decades of racial division. His legacy endures as a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of forgiveness.
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation—established in 2011—is dedicated to preserving and nurturing the courageous spirit and values of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his lifelong partner, Leah Tutu. Rooted in their legacy of peace, social justice, reconciliation, Ubuntu, and servant leadership, the Foundation operates across three main pillars to inspire positive societal change:
- Learning from Legacy: Leveraging the Tutus’ rich archival heritage, the Foundation creates educational resources and storytelling platforms—such as the Truth to Power exhibition, co-curricular materials for schools, and youth-focused initiatives like “Tutu Tots”—to encourage bold, values-driven action in contemporary society.
- Leading for Humanity: Through leadership development programmes—including intensive residential training and the “A Million Ripples” online initiative using archival footage—the Foundation nurtures a new generation of compassionate, courageous change-makers.
- Advocacy for Societal Healing: By promoting dialogue on critical issues such as racial justice, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability, and hosting global forums like the International Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture, the Foundation fosters deeper societal reflection, solidarity, and healing.
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.
Visit two iconic destinations in Cape Town and discover the heart of the South African story.
UBUNTU : “I am, because we are.”
The TRUTH TO POWER Exhibition is available Tuesday to Saturday between 09:00 to 15:30.
Admission Fee:
Standard R100
African nationals and South Africans with ID R50
Pensioners and Students with ID R25
Children under 18yrs FREE
To book, contact: [email protected]
Custom Jewellery Design Experience
Work directly with Russell and Nathan Lavigre, our third-generation master goldsmiths, to design your own jewellery piece. This father-son team brings decades of expertise to your custom design – Russell has spent 28 years perfecting his craft, while Nathan grew up in the workshop, developing an innate understanding of how metals and gems work together. They’ll guide you through what’s possible, knowing instantly which stone shapes will work best with your chosen design. Each custom piece they create carries a bit of South African soul, combining local metals, African gems, and generations of craftsmanship.
Our design service is tailored to your needs, making use of traditional drawing methods and current CAD technology.
CAD jewellery design works by using specialised 3D design software to create precise, digital models of jewellery before it’s made.
It combines artistic creativity with engineering accuracy, and is now standard in modern jewellery manufacturing.
The process is a step by step journey in creating your one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery;
1. Concept Development
- Our team starts with building your idea — sometimes from a sketch, mood board or existing piece of jewellery you wish to remodel
- Together we determine the style, gemstones, materials, and proportions.
- This stage is about visualising the piece before any technical modelling.
2. 3D Modelling in CAD Software
- Using software like RhinoGold and MatrixGold, your jewellery is modelled digitally.
- We build the piece to exact measurements, down to fractions of a millimetre.
- CAD allows:
- Complex shapes and patterns that are hard to achieve by hand.
- Precision for stone settings, prongs, and symmetry.
- Easy adjustments for resizing or altering design elements.
3. Rendering
- The 3D model is turned into photo-realistic images
- Rendering simulates materials like gold, platinum, or silver and different gemstones, so you can see exactly how it will look.
- This helps in approvals before moving into workshop production, reducing costly mistakes.
4. Conversion to CAM for Manufacturing
- The CAD file is exported into a format for CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), usually STL.
- A 3D printer (often using wax or resin) prints a precise model of the jewellery.
- This model is then used for lost wax casting (traditional casting using the printed wax model).
5. Casting & Finishing
- In lost wax casting, the printed model is encased in plaster, wax is melted away, and molten metal is poured in.
- After casting, our master goldsmiths:
- File, polish, and assemble the piece.
- Set stones using hand tools or microscopes.
- Apply finishing touches like engraving or texture.
6. Final Quality Control
The piece is checked for:
- Accuracy to the CAD design.
- Symmetry and polish.
- Secure stone settings.
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.
The Workshop includes:
Bottomless Bubbly from an original South African vineyard.
Manufacturing materials for your very own jewellery piece. Jewellery pieces are manufactured in sterling silver.
Select your gem of choice:
Natural wonders from Africa; Black diamond, Amethyst, Garnet, Citrine, Topaz, Tourmaline, Peridot or the royal Essence of Africa – Tanzanite.
Rates vary according to gem selection.
Expertise goldsmith coaching.
Talk hosted by Mark Gieljoumie looking at the science behind each gem
Chocolate truffle trio exclusively from Afrikoa – true African chocolate.
Duration: 2hours
Duration: 2hours
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.