Amsterdam Diamond City: cutting works, tours and jewellers

Amsterdam has earned its nickname as the diamond city over many centuries: cutting, trading and sparkling have gone on here since the sixteenth century.

A centuries-old tradition

The story of the Amsterdam diamond begins with the arrival of craftsmen who were unwelcome elsewhere.

Sephardic roots: in the sixteenth century, Sephardic Jews fleeing Portugal and Spain brought the craft of diamond cutting to the city. Since the guild system barred them from most professions, diamond working grew into one of the few open trades and thus into an Amsterdam speciality.
World-famous stones: two of the most celebrated diamonds in the world took their shape here. The Koh-i-Noor, today part of the British Crown Jewels, was recut in Amsterdam in 1852. The Cullinan, the largest rough diamond ever found, was cleaved and worked in the city in 1908.
An industry written into the city: around 1900 thousands of Amsterdammers worked in the diamond industry, chiefly in the Jewish Quarter and on Uilenburg. The large cutting works still standing there recall that golden age.
A craft still alive: although the centre of world trade shifted to Antwerp, cutting and polishing continue in Amsterdam to this day, and the cutting works have grown into popular attractions.

Diamond tours

The city's best-known diamond houses are glad to show visitors what goes on behind the scenes.

Free and without an appointment: most tours are free and generally run between 09.00 and 17.00. Booking is usually unnecessary, though in high season it is wise to check ahead.
The craft up close: you see with your own eyes how a rough stone is cleaved, cut and polished, and get an explanation of the four Cs by which a diamond is judged: carat, cut, colour and clarity.
Gassan Diamonds: housed in a listed former steam-powered cutting works on the Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat, within walking distance of the centre. Tours are given in dozens of languages.
Diamond Museum: on the Paulus Potterstraat by the Museumplein, where you discover the history of the diamond, with replicas of famous stones and explanations of the craft.

Buying diamonds in Amsterdam

Anyone hoping to take a purchase home would do well to read up a little first.

Keenly priced, not dirt cheap: diamonds are not necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam than elsewhere, but prices are reasonably keen because you buy directly from the cutting house, with no middleman.
Know what you are buying: a purchase comes with a full description or certificate stating weight, cut, colour and clarity. Always ask for that document and keep it somewhere safe.
The four Cs: carat (weight), cut, colour and clarity together determine the value. The quality of the cut above all decides how much a stone actually sparkles.
Tax-free shopping: if you live outside the European Union, you can often reclaim the VAT on your purchase. Ask in the shop for the necessary forms before you pay.

Jewellers

Beyond the cutting houses, Amsterdam has a lively jewellery tradition, from international names to small workshops.

The big names: in the smart P.C. Hooftstraat and around Leidseplein you will find international houses such as Cartier, with their familiar collections.
Local craftsmanship: just as interesting are the smaller jewellers, offering genuine gemstones often worked on the premises by a local craftsman.
Antique and vintage: the Spiegelkwartier by the Rijksmuseum is where the antiques trade is concentrated, including dealers specialising in antique jewellery and historic cuts.

Walking route through diamond city Amsterdam

This route of about 5 kilometres follows the diamond story from the old polishing factories to today's jewellers; by bike it takes about half an hour.

Gassan Diamonds: start in the former steam powered polishing factory on Uilenburg, with a free guided tour.
Burcht van Berlage: the monumental 1900 building of the General Dutch Diamond Workers' Union, designed by H.P. Berlage.
Spiegelkwartier: antique dealers and jewellers with antique jewellery, close to the Rijksmuseum.
Diamond Museum: the history of the diamond, with replicas of famous stones.
P.C. Hooftstraat: finish in Amsterdam's most exclusive shopping street, home to the big international jewellers.

Practical information

A few tips to make your visit to Amsterdam the diamond city run smoothly.

Combine cleverly: Gassan Diamonds sits close to the centre and the canal boats, while the Diamond Museum is next to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Both fit easily into a day's programme.
No obligation to buy: the tours are informative and entirely non-committal. You are under no obligation, even though the tour usually ends in the showroom.
Worthwhile even without a purchase: if craftsmanship or history interests you, a visit to a cutting house is one of the more rewarding free activities in the city.