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The New York Tour Of Diamonds
The New York Tour Of Diamonds
A Precious Walking Tour
47th Street · 90 min walking tour · Mon–Fri

Go behind the scenes on 47th Street.

Led by a 27-year diamond industry veteran, on the block where 80% of America's diamonds pass through.

Start at the lamppost ↗Wear walking shoes

From rough rock to finished ring.

0:00
Meet at the lamppostOpen meeting point in Maps ↗
How 47th Street became the heart of America's diamond trade.
0:15
Hold a billion-year-old rockRough diamond, straight from the earth, in your palm.
0:30
Inspect like a buyerLoupe and microscope work inside a working diamond office.
0:45
Plot the flawsMap inclusions on a grading chart, the way a grader does.
1:00
Cutters and polishersWatch stones cut and polished. Your jewelry gets a free clean.
1:15
Set into jewelryAt the setter's bench, then your Polaroid and inscribed pen.

Perfect for.

New York City touristsGo behind the scenes on the most expensive street in NYC.
Women's groups & meetupsA sparkling outing for friends, clubs and meetup groups.
Diamond & jewellery enthusiastsHold, inspect and grade real diamonds with an expert.
Corporate get-togethersA memorable meet-and-greet or team outing in Midtown.
Couples exploring ring buyingLearn what to look for before you shop for a ring on 47th Street.
Your Name
A pen with your name on itEvery guest takes home a pen inscribed with their name.
Tour guests on 47th Street
A Polaroid to take homeA keepsake shot from your morning on the most expensive street in New York.
Diamond polishers at work
Your own jewelry, cleanedComplimentary cleaning when we visit the polisher's bench.
Hemant Thaker on 47th Street
Meet your guide
Hemant Thaker

Hemant Thaker has spent over 27 years in the diamond industry as a grader, broker, and buyer, inspecting hundreds of stones a day. On this tour, he shares the same eye for quality he brings to every client.

Read Hemant's full story →

From recent tours.

A guest examines a diamond with a jeweler's loupeA guest at the polisher's wheelA tour group gathers around the tableA tour group on 47th StreetHemant leads a group tour outside the GIA buildingA tour group in the Diamond DistrictGuests learn about diamonds in a dealer's officeGuests watch a diamond being cut

Getting here.

Meeting pointThe lamppost on 47th Street

West 47th St between 5th and 6th Avenues, in the Diamond District. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Open in Google Maps ↗
By subway47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr

BDFM about a 2 min walk. Also close: Times Sq–42 St 123NQRW7 and 5 Av/53 St EM.

DrivingPay-and-park garages nearby

Several garages sit on the side streets around 46th–48th St. Midtown fills up fast, so compare rates and reserve a spot ahead.

Find parking near the Diamond District ↗
Before you comeSign the guest waiver

Every guest signs a short waiver before the tour. It takes about a minute.

Open the waiver form ↗
Make a day of it · all within a 10 min walk
Rockefeller Center & Top of the RockRadio City Music HallSt. Patrick's CathedralTimes SquareBryant Park & NY Public LibraryMoMAFifth Avenue shoppingGrand Central Terminal

What guests say.

VViator5.0
4 reviews

"We had the most incredible and unforgettable afternoon behind the scenes in the Diamond District!"

Laura, July 2026All Viator reviews ↗
GGetYourGuide5.0
2 reviews

"A fantastic insight into the selection, grading and polishing of the diamonds…"

Damien, United Kingdom, Nov 2025All GetYourGuide reviews ↗
AAirbnb5.0
1 review

"The experience felt like a true backstage pass to the diamond district…"

Shao-An, May 2026Read on Airbnb ↗
GGoogle5.0
22 reviews

"It was the best part of our trip to NYC!"

Joe, June 2026All Google reviews ↗

Good to know.

What is included in the tour?

You'll learn how to hold, inspect and plot a diamond, hear a brief history of New York's role in the diamond trade, visit cutters and polishers, and see how stones are set into jewelry. Every guest also gets a name-inscribed pen and a Polaroid.

What are the timings?

Monday to Friday. Each tour is 90 minutes, starting at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Maximum 10 guests per tour.

Is there an age limit, and how early should we book?

The tour is designed for ages 7 and up. Booking early is best, but we accept guests up to 1 hour before the tour starts.

Do we get to see real diamonds?

Yes. You'll examine several kinds of diamonds with a loupe and under a microscope.

Can I buy a loose diamond or a piece of jewelry?

Yes, loose diamonds and jewelry are available to buy.

Will my own jewelry be cleaned?

Yes. When we visit the polisher, your jewelry gets a complimentary clean.