Museum of Gems and Jewellery

Established in 1982, Prins & Prins Diamonds has grown to become one of Cape Town's most trusted, multi-award winning, family-owned manufacturing jewellers. The museum is the brainchild of the esteemed Dr Petré Prins of Prins & Prins Diamonds, located in the historical and authentically restored 18th century Huguenot House.

This unique museum project takes visitors on a journey from when diamonds first began to form three billion years ago and their 150 km journey to the surface. Follow the unique path of South African diamonds from their origin in extinct volcanoes to the deposits along our coastline. Learn about unique and rare gemstones, and see how jewellery has changed through thousands of years. The story about South Africa's mineral wealth is told, not only for diamonds, but also for our Platinum and Gold deposits.

Tracing the evolution of Early Man, it tells the story of the very first, and oldest piece of jewellery ever found, right on Cape Town's "doorstep" in the Blombos Cave, a mere 200 kms outside of Cape Town. An African Kingdom that existed a thousand years ago who traded in gold; gemstones found only in South Africa and of course the story of the Cullinan Diamond, the biggest diamond ever found, are fascinating exhibits. A further exhibit attracting lots of interest is "The Function of Jewellery", which promises food for thought when looked at in the context of everyday life. These, and the story about how South Africa's history (both political and mineralogical) was influenced by our mineral discoveries, are just some of the stories told in the property's intimate museum, housed in the property's almost 200-year-old wine cellar.