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.

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.

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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