Royal Coster Diamonds
Europe,
Netherlands,
Amsterdam, citta,
Museumplein
Coster Diamonds, founded in 1840 by Moses Elias Coster, is the oldest diamond cutting company still in operation in the world. Located in the museum district of Amsterdam, near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, Coster Diamonds has become a prominent tourist destination thanks to its prestigious history and artisanal craftsmanship. Throughout its long journey, the company has hosted notable figures such as princes and queens, and has participated in significant historical events like the 1867 Universal Exposition.
One of the most illustrious moments in Coster Diamonds’ history was in 1852, when Prince Albert of the United Kingdom entrusted the company with the task of polishing the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, part of the British Crown Jewels. This event catapulted Coster Diamonds to international prominence, solidifying its reputation for excellence in diamond cutting and polishing.
The management of the company passed from generation to generation, maintaining the family tradition and artisanal quality. After the death of Moses Elias Coster, the leadership was taken over by his son Martin Coster, who continued to develop and grow the company until his death in Paris in 1880. Dedication to quality and innovation allowed Coster Diamonds to survive difficult periods, including the Great Depression, when many other companies in the sector were forced to close.
During World War II, Coster Diamonds faced one of the darkest periods in its history. With the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, the Jewish director Beniamin Manus was forced to leave his position, and the company came under the control of Nazi sympathizers. Manus and his family were deported and never returned from the concentration camps. Despite these tragic events, Coster Diamonds managed to recover and continue its activities after the war.
In the following years, Coster Diamonds continued to innovate and expand. In 1982, the company was tasked with cutting the Lucullan diamond, the largest ever found, weighing 181.15 carats. This event further confirmed Coster Diamonds’ expertise and mastery in working with exceptionally valuable gemstones.
In 2007, Coster Diamonds opened the Diamond Museum Amsterdam, a museum dedicated to the history of diamonds and their processing. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the art of diamond cutting, showcasing some of the most beautiful and significant pieces produced by the company over the years. In the same year, the company introduced a new patented diamond cut, the “Royal 201,” considered the most sparkling cut in the world thanks to its 201 facets.
Another significant recognition for Coster Diamonds came in 2016, when King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands awarded the company the honorary title of “Royal” (Koninklijk), officially making it Royal Coster Diamonds. This title is reserved for organizations that are leaders in their field, of national importance, and with at least 100 years of activity behind them.
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