Dutch Diamond Polishing: A Cutthroat Golden Age Industry

In this episode of The Story of the Netherlands, Lucas and Luna explore the glittering but brutal world of Dutch diamond polishing during the Golden Age. They trace the industry from its origins with immigrant craftsmen from Antwerp and the Sephardic Jewish community, to the cutting-edge technology of the scaif—a rotating disk that revolutionized diamond cutting. The conversation delves into the role of Amsterdam's Jodenbreestraat as the epicenter of the trade, the emergence of famous diamond merchants like Moses Salomon Asser, and the darker side of the industry: child labor, harsh working conditions, and ruthless competition. Along the way, they touch on how diamonds became a symbol of status among Europe's elite and how the Dutch Republic's liberal policies attracted skilled workers and capital. This episode offers a fresh angle on the Golden Age, focusing not on the grand narratives of trade and empire but on the hidden craftsmanship and gritty realities behind one of history's most glamorous commodities. #DiamondPolishing #GoldenAge #Amsterdam #Scaif #SephardicJewish #Jodenbreestraat #MosesSalomonAsser #DiamondMerchants #ChildLabor #IndustrialHistory #Craftsmanship #DutchRepublic #LodewijkVanBerquem #Pereira #DePinto #History #FexingoHistory #Netherlands Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo