Amsterdam diamonds
Amsterdam has a long heritage of diamond trade and industry – the city has been a major diamond centre since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city, several of them offering guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm every day. Diamonds aren't necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam, but prices are fairly competitive. Additionally you will an opportunity to see how they cut and polished, and you will receive an extensive description of the purchase so you will be able to know exactly what you are buying.
Amsterdam diamond tours
The following renowned diamond firms offer to the public diamond-cutting and polishing tours, as well as sales of the finished diamonds:
Coster Diamonds
Hundreds of thousands visitors come to see Coster Diamonds craftsmen at work every year. Free tours are guided and available in more than 25 languages, the process of diamond cutting and polishing is explained in detail. After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to browse around the spacious showrooms.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 2-4
Phone: +31 20 305 55 55
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm including weekends
www.costerdiamonds.com
Gassan Diamonds
A tour at Gassan Diamonds takes around thirty minutes and is free.
Address: Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175
Phone. +31 20 622 53 33
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm including weekends
www.gassandiamonds.com
Amstel Diamonds
One of the oldest existingfactories has an exhibit of the history of diamond polishing. Located in an old Amsterdam townhouse Amstel Diamonds have also unique pieces on sale. Free entry.
Address: Amstel 206 – 208
Phone: +31 20 623 14 79
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
www.amsteldiamonds.nl
Diamond Museum in Amsterdam
A museum on the two floors of a stately villa opposite to the van Gogh Museum and next to the Coster Diamonds. Interesting multimedia presentations about the diamond history and human fascination with diamonds. Many replica’s of the coronation gems including the Dutch and British Royal crowns. Entry fee.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 8
Phone: +31 20 30 55 300
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm including weekends.
www.diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl
Jewelry shopping in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has many unique jewelry shops. Along with the big shops of international reputation like Cartier, you will find several smaller shops offering original gems made local craftsmen.
The Amsterdam Diamond Stock Exchange
De Amsterdamse Diamantbeurs (est. 1870, member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses) trades in diamonds on the professional market.
Address: Hogehilweg 14
Phone: +31 20 696 22 51
www.diamantbeurs.org