Amsterdam Diamonds
Learn about diamonds via
diamond guided tours in Amsterdam
As a major historical location for the diamond industry, Amsterdam has had an
extended history related to diamonds. It has been a major diamond center since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry to the city in the later 16th
century.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews are still prominent in worldwide diamond marketing and
distribution, and urban legend has it they hide diamonds in their beards to move them through customs without being
detected (?). Whether you believe this or not, there's no denying that they play an important part in distribution
and marketing of diamonds.
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The Netherland's capital Amsterdam has been a major
tourist
destination, as well as one of major diamond centers in the world. |
Guided diamond tours
Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond cutting facilities in the city, some of
which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm each day. Walking down the
streets you will see a lot of jewelry stores as well as many diamond businesses with prominent security systems and
signs reading "guided diamond tours".
If you go on these tours you'll see some breathtaking diamonds, as well a chance
to see these stones being cut and polished. And if you have some cash to spare, you can purchase one for $4000 to
$400,000.
Diamonds are not necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam; however prices are fairly
competitive. At least you will have seen the stones being worked. Plus, when you purchase a
diamond from a factory you get an extensive description of the
diamond you acquire so you know exactly what you are buying.
Diamond cutting and polishing tours
The following renowned diamond stores offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours,
and sales of the finished diamonds:
• Coster Diamonds - One of the oldest and most visited diamond cutting and
polishing factories in Amsterdam.
• Gassan Diamonds -
Explore four centuries of craftmanship and tradition transformed into dazzling jewellery.
• Stoeltie Diamonds - This small diamond business is considered a friendly
competitor of Gassan Diamonds.
• Van Moppes Diamonds - This was the the 1st company to offer guided
diamond tours.
While you're there, be sure to sample authentic Dutch food at the numerous cafes.
If you have a chance eat a "brodje haring" (an open-faced sandwich with salted herring) or try other seafood
specialties from the cuisine of this seafaring nation.
The best time to visit Holland is spring or fall when the heat of summer and the
droves of tourists have departed and the leaves on the trees aren't blocking the review of the monumental facades.
The winters are penetratingly cold and wet with lots of rain and sleet. Because of the high humidity, it actually
feels as cold as the thirty-below winters common in Canada. Come in spring (March through May) and catch the
Holland Flower Festival at Keukenhof.
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Coster Diamonds are
cutting and polishing factory in Amsterdam,
visited annually by over 300,000 tourists. (Image by
Tripadvisor) |
Amsterdam's attractions
If you're over 40, make sure you pack a pair of reading or magnifying glasses, as
museums tend to utilise microscopic lettertypes for their descriptive plaques.
Here are some of Amsterdam's major tourist attractions:
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank Huis is dedicated to the life and times of Jewish girl Anne
Frank.
National Museum
Rijksmuseum is a national Dutch museum dedicated to arts and history in
Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the works of the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.
Red Light District
Perhaps one of the most (in)famous attractions in Amsterdam, known for its sex
shops.
National Museum of Modern Art
Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum is an international museum dedicated to contemporary
art and design.
Amstelkring Museum
Our Lord in the Attic Chapel is a religious site, unusually located in the Red
Light District.
Rembrandt House Museum
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis is dedicated to the life and work of famous Dutch
painter Rembrandt.
Jewish Historical Museum
Joods Historisch Museum is the only museum in the Netherlands that focuses on
Jewish history, religion and culture.
Dam Square
It's one of the best known locations in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
Sauna Deco
Provides you with a rare chance to enjoy Parisian spa luxury for enture
family.
Amsterdam is a fascinating place with lots of things to see and do besides guided
diamond tours and diamond center businesses. After one visit I'm sure you'll be so fascinated you will be
determined to come back.
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