The Diamond Works: Sparkling Virtual- + Augmented-Reality Experiences

Bringing the coveted gem to brilliantly faceted life…

Ever wondered what it’d be like to try on the famous Taylor-Burton diamond neckpiece and walk the red carpet? You can – in Cape Town of all places. Sure, it’s an augmented-reality experience, but this immersive Sparkling Tour (with a complimentary glass of bubbles) brings the fascination of diamonds to brilliantly faceted life. At The Diamond Works flagship store you can learn about the craftsmanship that goes into cutting diamonds, the history of South Africa’s diamond mines, try on real-life diamond and tanzanite jewellery, and dive into the newly launched VR experience that takes you deeper into the lore of these coveted gemstones.

A virtual-reality experience

Centre yourself in the diamond-facet structured booth and don your headset to immerse yourself in the world of diamonds. First you’re transported to the iconic Kimberley hole digs of 1872 meeting the historic trailblazers who influenced South Africa’s economy and heritage. Authentic archive imagery tells the real story of life in Kimberley with artefacts from daily life on the mines field and highlights of the Cape Malay camp that played a pivotal role in establishing the mining industry.

Augmented reality comes to life

The glamour comes in the Sparkling Tour’s augmented reality experience as you step onto the red carpet (virtually) wearing the world-famous Taylor-Burton diamond neckpiece, which Elizabeth Taylor wore at the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970. This renowned original rough diamond was found in 1966 in the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighing 241 carats. And you can share your red-carpet moment via a QR code download as a memento of your celebrity moment.

The Sparkling Tour

Take the full tour to meet the experienced craftsmen who cut, polish and set the stones, witness diamonds and tanzanite being cut, learn more about the history of diamonds in South Africa and try on some of the jewellery on display.

A sparkling jewel of an experience in the heart of Cape Town.

Cost Free
Good to know Booking is recommended. The VR experience on its own lasts 10 – 15 minutes. For the full Sparkling Tour add on 30 minutes.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 7pm (tours start on the hour, 10am – 4pm)
Contact 021 425 1970, thediamondworks@tjd.co.za
Where to find it 10 Christiaan Barnard Street, Cape Town
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