The City Of Amsterdam For Diamonds And Much More
Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is a historical location for the European diamond industry. Walking through the city's streets, you will notice many diamond jewellery stores and businesses associated with diamonds, from diamond sales to cutting and jewellery manufacturing. Outside some of these businesses, always protected by prominent security systems, you will see signs like: 'Diamond Tours here'.
If you choose to join one of these tours, you will be sure to see breathtaking diamonds. You'll also be able to see diamonds being cut and polished. If you feel like you have some spare cash, you'll be able to buy yourself a diamond just like you've seen being worked on. But you'll need anywhere from £3,000 to £300,000 to make it happen!
Amsterdam has a long historical connection with the diamond industry. Sephardic Jews migrated to Amsterdam in the late 16th century bringing their diamond working and trading skills. From that connection sprang Amsterdam as a major diamond centre. Today, Amsterdam is home to around twelve diamond-cutting facilities. Five offer guided tours of their production facilities - and will happily sell you their wares afterwards. Amsterdam diamond tours are offered free of charge and are usually available between 09:00 and 17:00 each day.
€725,95
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Even today, ultra-orthodox Jews are prominent at all stages of the diamond marketing and distribution chain. An urban legend suggests the orthodox Jew's long beards have been used to move diamonds through customs to avoid detection. Please don't go to Amsterdam to buy diamonds with the expectation that they will be inexpensive. You will find that the prices you will be offered will tend to be competitive. If you buy a diamond following a factory tour, you will understand just how much skill and work goes into creating the beautiful diamonds used in fine jewellery. You will know exactly what you're buying with a complete description of the gem.
The following diamond stores run tours of their diamond cutting and polishing facilities. They will be delighted to sell you diamonds if you wish.
Gassan Diamonds BV
Stoeltie Diamonds
Diamant Museum
Amstel Diamonds
Royal Coster Diamonds is home to the oldest diamond polishing factory in the world.
More To Amsterdam Than Diamonds!
While you are in Amsterdam, make sure to catch up on everything a tourist is supposed to do in this historic city! For example, try some Dutch food in one of the many cafes in the city's tourist areas. Look out for 'brodje haring', an open-faced sandwich made with salted herring (it tastes better than it sounds!) or try other seafood specialities from the cuisine of this maritime nation.
Many travellers say spring or autumn is the best time to visit the Netherlands. The droves of summer tourists will not be around; temperatures will be more comfortable for wandering around the city's narrow streets. The trees will no longer be covered in leaves which obstruct the views of the historical canal-side facades. But if there's one time of the year to avoid, then it's winter! Dutch winters can be bitterly cold, with weather straight from the North Sea bringing too much freezing rain and sleet. The location right on the sea means high humidity so although the thermometer might not read very low, it can feel as cold as drier places far to the north. When you choose to enjoy Amsterdam in the spring, that's March to May, you will be able to enjoy the Keukenhof Flower Festival. Keukenhof is one of the most extensive flower gardens in the world.
A word to the wise, from bitter experience! If you're over 40, make sure to pack a pair of reading or magnifying glasses. Many of the museums have the habit of using very small print on exhibit descriptions and plaques.
€4.318,95
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Here are some of Amsterdam's most popular tourist attractions:
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Anne Frank Home (Anne Frank Huis)
Van Gogh Museum
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Red Light District
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)
For Sailors And Art Lovers - Something Special In Amsterdam
For Sailors and Seafarers, the Amsterdam Sail Event is a must-see opportunity. If you love the days of sail, KNSM Island, with its historic shipping connections, is one place you should not miss. Every five years, Amsterdam's landmark harbour area becomes the host to the Sail Event. Each event attracts more visitors than the last. In 2015, the event had a staggering 2.3 million visitors who could see 44 tall ships. Every event aims to feature more tall ships than before and an even greater variety of cultural events in the area. Sadly, due to Covid-19, the 2020 event was cancelled, so preparations are underway for the 2025 event.
For art lovers, The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of work by Vincent Van Gogh. The tragic artist is reputed to have sold just one of his paintings during his life and whose mental torment led him to cut off his ear and later commit suicide. In the museum, you will discover more than 200 pieces of art from Van Gogh's hand. In addition, there are 500 drawings and 700 documents. As a whole, these exhibits give a historical insight into his art and life.
€1.356,95
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Visitors go to Amsterdam for diamonds and much more. A historic but vibrant place with a multitude of things to see and do - Amsterdam is not just about diamonds and the diamond trade! Just take one visit. I am confident that you will have such a great time that you will soon be planning a second visit, and if you didn't buy yourself a diamond on the first trip - perhaps on the second?
With All Diamond, Who Needs Amsterdam?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to see our craftsmen making your jewellery at All Diamond. Still, we make it easy to check out our British designed fine jewellery in our online collections. You'll be impressed by our quality, and you'll buy for our great value pricing!
