Thrilled to announce my latest documentary for DW History and Culture, a literal deep dive into the history and cultural impact of diamonds. The project took me to three iconic locations: Antwerp, Amsterdam, and South Africa, each with its own glittering chapter in diamond lore. Together with my intrepid colleague Willie Schumann (camera & editing), I traced the historic trade routes that first brought diamonds to Europe, and travelled hundreds of metres below the earth’s surface to experience the raw reality of diamond mining.

Along the way, we met some of the industry’s movers and shakers, and got an inside look at the meticulous world of diamond cutting and polishing. The journey was not just about the allure of diamonds but a deeper exploration into how these precious stones shape cultures, economies, and lives. Click on the link below to learn the hidden histories behind the sparkle – and why diamonds still captivate us like nothing else.

Screenshot: DW, Photos: Willie Schumann