Founded in

The London Diamond Bourse first opened its doors in 1940. The necessity for London to open a trading floor came about mainly as a result of the occupation of Belgium in May 1940 by the Nazis. At the time Antwerp was the main diamond trading hub of the World, and had for most of its long history been the home of several active trade organisations. Amongst the refugees who managed to reach this country were a number of diamond merchants. In some cases they were able to bring their own stock with them. The fables go that the refugees managed to get their stock out by sewing the diamonds into the lining of their garments in order to smuggle their stock across the

1940

Mrs Cohen's Cafe

The setting for the diamond traders of its time, and the first location of the London Diamond Bourse was established in Greville Street inside Mrs Cohen's Cafe, near its junction with Hatton Garden. A Committee and President (the Late Max Lack, who remained in office until he became Honorary Life President in 1982) were elected and, notwithstanding the very cramped and primitive conditions, the organisation worked with remarkable success.

1945

1945 Onwards

From 1945 onwards, there was an influx of members, some of whom were survivors of the Nazi occupation and concentration camps. Many of these had lost all their possessions and, in the cases of younger ones, missed their education, they started as diamond brokers with the help of those already established as dealers. In the mid 1950s, the place was far too cramped and the London Diamond Bourse moved to the ground floor of 57 Hatton Garden as a temporary home. A few years later a new building was erected at 32 Hatton Garden, and with Barclays Bank on the ground floor, the London Diamond Bourse occupied the whole of the first floor.

1945

100 Hatton Garden

For the first time, the London Diamond Bourse established a dedicated and fitting home, marking the beginning of a period of strong growth and prosperity. During the 1960s and 1970s, trading flourished and by 1980, plans were approved to relocate to a new purpose-built development at 100 Hatton Garden, designed to accommodate numerous diamond offices, with Barclays Bank on the ground floor and a safe deposit facility in the basement—creating a central hub for London’s diamond trade.

1960

LONDON DIAMOND BOURSE AND CLUB

With changes worldwide within the Diamond Industry and various problems facing the UK Jewellery Trade during the 1980s, the diamond community found its numbers contracting. Many of the younger members had long felt that any valid reasons for the maintenance of two separate diamond trading organisations in London had fallen by the wayside. Pragmatism now lent force to their point of view. Negotiations with the London Diamond Club were accordingly undertaken, which were to lead to the Formation of the new united "London Diamond Bourse and Club".

2005

Today

Today, the London Diamond Bourse combines its rich heritage with a modern role in the jewellery industry. Membership now spans diamond dealers, manufacturers, retailers, designers, valuers, gemmologists and antique jewellery specialists, creating a diverse community that fosters knowledge, collaboration and growth. With flexible membership, educational programmes and industry initiatives, the Bourse supports professionals at every stage of their careers and nurtures the next generation. It remains one of Europe’s leading trading floors and a hub for expertise, networking and professional development in the global jewellery market.

2026