When in Amsterdam visit one of the authentic diamond factories and discover the diamond in all its facets.
When in Amsterdam visit one of the authentic diamond factories and discover the diamond in all its facets.
Coster Diamonds - craftman at work. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city, five of which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted daily from 9am to 5pm. You will see how diamonds are worked, and when you buy from a factory you get an extensive description of the purchase so you know exactly what you are buying.
The different diamond factories in Amsterdam are a reminder of Amsterdam's flourishing Jewish diamond industry before World War II. The diamond trade was dominated by Sephardic Jews from Spain and Portugal with international commercial contacts in the areas where diamonds were to be found. Besides the trade, the cutting of the diamonds also became a predominantly Jewish business.
Jews were not allowed to join guilds, so they were unable to engage in traditional trades. As there was no guild for diamond cutters, Jews were free to specialise in this trade from the 17th century onwards.
In the early 20th century around 30% of the male and 10% of the female Jewish population of Amsterdam worked in the Diamond industry.
After World War II Amsterdam lost its leading position on the world market to cities such as Antwerp, New York, Tel Aviv and Mumbai, but its reputation as a city of diamonds lives on in its factories.
The following renowned diamond factories offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours, and sales of the finished diamonds:
Coster Diamonds is the oldest, still operating diamond factory in Europe. Over 350,000 visitors see craftsmen at work every year. Free-guided tours are available in more than 25 languages, the process of cutting and polishing a diamond is explained in detail. After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to browse around in the spacious showrooms.
Free tours at Gassan Diamonds in 27+ languages take around 20 minutes.
17th century canal house built in a curve for the rich Amsterdammer Willem van den Heuvel who adopted an Italian name.
Royal Asscher has cut the famous Cullinan diamond, which is now part of the British crown jewels.
City Diamonds has its own diamond factory and has been cutting and polishing diamonds for generations. They design, manufacture and sell diamond jewelry as well as many international well-known watch brands in their Kalverstraat store.
diamond trading company and jewellery manufacturer with headquarters in Amsterdam
In a 30-minute tour visitors learn about the different shapes, sizes and colors and they can admire the Star of Amsterdam, Zazare's masterpiece with 257 facets.
Amsterdam's former diamond bourse building on the Weesperplein
The new diamond bourse is now located in Amstelveen, at a short distance from Amsterdam
See actual diamond cutters and goldsmiths at work.
Reveals the stories behind the diamond by showing films, photos, jewellery, historical documents and ... diamonds.
