Inside the London HQ where De Beers hid its $5bn diamond stash
The potential sale of De Beers's London HQ offers a rare glimpse inside the mining giant, from subterranean vaults to a rooftop helipad
Number 17 Charterhouse Street, a fortress in the heart of London, has been De Beers’s headquarters since 1979, but the street has been its home since the 1930s. At its peak 90% of the world’s diamonds passed through this structure. That’s now coming to an end. De Beers’s owner, Anglo American, is leaving the building and moving staff across the capital as part of a wider cost-cutting plan. The building, in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district, offers unique amenities. Like subterranean vaults, that once held some $5bn of uncut diamonds. A famous modern art collection decorates the walls. On the roof is one of the only private helipads in London north of the River Thames. Here’s a look inside the industry’s most iconic address. Charterhouse The building is between St Paul’s Cathedral and Smithfield Meat market in central London. During its monopoly De Beers would stockpile diamonds here to control the market. The foyer A commemorative stamp decorates the floor of the reception of ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.