Editor’s Note
This article highlights the recent recognition of Flanders’ diamond manufacturing as Intangible Cultural Heritage, tracing its history from the 14th century and underscoring the pivotal 15th-century innovation that shaped the global industry.
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, made this statement.
The application was supported by 27 Belgian and Flemish institutions, including museums, educational institutes, and diamond-sector stakeholders.