Diamond Manufacture Officially Part of Belgium's Cultural Heritage
August 04, 25
(IDEX Online) - The centuries-old craft of diamond manufacturing in Flanders, Belgium, has been officially recognized as part of the region's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Cutting and polishing diamonds there dates back to 1465, and there is evidence of trading as early as 1370. The critical innovation came with Lodewijk van Berken of Bruges, who invented the scaif (diamond polishing wheel) in 1476.
The recognition, by the Flemish Ministry of Culture, paves the way for a similar move in 2029 by UNESCO, which would put diamonds from Flanders alongside French baguettes, Turkish coffee and Dutch windmills.
The Diamond Museum Bruges, which coordinated the application for recognition, said: "We are proud that the Flemish Minister of Culture and an expert commission recognized the value of this centuries-old craft. It is a tribute to all past and present diamond polishers working in this refined craft - all over the world - a work the requires a particular dedication."
The application was supported by 27 Belgian and Flemish institutions, including museums, educational institutes, and diamond-sector stakeholders.
Pic courtesy the Diamond Museum Bruges.