History of the London Diamond Bourse

The London Diamond Bourse opened its doors for the first time in 1940. This came about mainly as a result of the occupation of Belgium in May 1940 by the Nazis. 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. Antwerp, which was considered the main centre in the World, has for most of its long history been the home of several active trade organisations.

The need for an organisation here was now urgent, and the London Diamond Bourse was established at Mrs. Cohen's cafe in Greville Street 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.

From 1945 onwards, there was an influx of members, some of whom were survivors of the Nazi occupation and concentration camps. As 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 dealers. In the mid 1950's, 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. For the first time the London Diamond Bourse had a worthwhile establishment, and in the years between 1960-1980 enjoyed prosperous trading. The membership grew to approximately 700. By the end of the 1980's, even these premises proved too small, and when a new large building was planned at 100 Hatton Garden, which would include space for many diamond offices, Barclays Bank on the ground floor and a safe deposit unit in the basement, a move was approved.

With changes world-wide within the Diamond Industry and various problems facing the UK Jewellery Trade during the 1980's, 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".

This merger has been a very happy union for many years and continues to be so. However, at our recent AGM it was decided to revert back to our original name of the London Diamond Bourse for many reasons including marketing and general logistics for modern day business.