Amsterdam Diamonds. The city of Diamonds.
It is not just the canals that sparkle in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous as a city of diamonds. There are many cities that claim to be the diamond capital of the world and Amsterdam has a historic connection that certainly puts it in the running. Amsterdam is known as the City of Diamonds and has been a major diamond hub since the late 16th century when they were introduced by Sephardic Jews.
James Bond even came to Amsterdam for the diamonds in the 007 film Diamonds are Forever which is accreditation enough in our book.
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Amsterdam Diamonds are very popular and you can visit some excellent attractions to see how they are made into beautiful jewellery.
Are diamonds cheaper in Amsterdam
It is fair to say that diamonds are not cheaper in Amsterdam, but the prices are competitive. The real benefit is the providence which is very important when it comes to diamonds, especially with plenty of fakes and blood diamonds on the market. In Amsterdam, you can visit diamond factories and see the diamonds being cut and polished. If you were to buy, you’ll receive a full description of your diamond purchase, including providence. This way you can rest easy that you have a true diamond from a good source. If you are from outside the Netherlands, you may have to pay duty on your return, so do factor that in when making any purchasing decision.
Diamond factories in Amsterdam
Amsterdam diamonds are something every visitor will want to see. Handily there are many ways you can enjoy a diamond experience in Amsterdam. There are many jewellery stores plus there are the factories that offer visits and demonstrations, many of which are free. There are even special engagement style tours where you can pick and design your perfect engagement ring as part of the package. Watches also feature heavily in some of the tours. The main factories are Gassan Diamonds, Royal Coster Diamonds, Amstel Diamonds and City Diamonds. There is also a Diamond Museum called Diamant Museum.
Gassan Diamonds
The Gasson Diamond Factory in Amsterdam is a 3-min walk from Rembrandt House museum. It is located in a restored steam driven diamond factory which was built in 1879. This is a very popular Amsterdam attraction and has over 350,000 visitors each year.
Gassan Diamonds is open every day from 9am-5pm. Its address is New Uilenburgerstraat 173 – 175.
The factory offers unique tours:
Diamond Experience Tour – Free (duration 1hr)
Visitors will learn all there is to know about Amsterdam diamonds, but most specifically the 4C’s. Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. You can see how rough diamonds are transformed into the sparkling jewels we all know and love. A guide is on hand to explain the history of Amsterdam diamonds and their origins. You can visit the showrooms to see loose diamonds, see the Rolex Boutique and the Atelier where jewellery is designed. Finally you end up in the shopping boutique where you can buy your own Amsterdam Diamond or just enjoy seeing some stunning jewellery.
Gassan VIP Tour – €35 (duration 1.5hr)
On this tour you start with a glass of champagne then take the tour through the diamond factory. You can use the opportunity to have your own jewellery cleaned for free by one of the goldsmiths in the Atelier. The focus here is more on the Rolex Boutique, where you’ll learn all about this famous brand and see watchmakers at work. You also receive a Rolex gift bag at the end of the tour. Being VIP this is a less busy tour with more personal attention, though weekends are busier, so if you want full attention then a weekday booking is your best bet.
Diamond Polishing Experience Tour – €800 (duration 3hrs)
This is a much more detailed tour that allows you to learn all about the diamonds, but also allows you to get involved in finishing your own diamond. You’ll get acquainted with the diamond facets and can finish your own diamonds facets. Your diamond can even be mounted in a ring or pendent. A glass of champagne finishes the experience as you leave with your own Amsterdam cut diamond.
The factory is wheelchair friendly with single level tours.
One other way to visit Gassan Diamonds is via a guided tour that also visits the Jewish Quarter, making the whole experience more of a half-day event.
Royal Coster Diamonds
Royal Coster Diamonds is a 2-min walk from Rijksmuseum and is the oldest diamond polishing factory in the world, established in 1840. The unique selling point of Royal Coster Diamonds lies in the name. They are renowned for supplying Royal families around the world for 180 years. So you can expect something special when visiting this attraction.
Royal Coster Diamonds is open everyday 9am-5pm but online booking is essential.
Diamond Factory Tour – Free
This tour tells you how to evaluate diamonds and why Royal Coster Diamonds have been supplying Royal families for centuries. You can watch craftsmen and women at work and you’ll see the Royal 201 Patented Collection, which is known to be the best diamond in the world. You’ll also see the Koh-I-Noor, in the British Crown Jewels. Of course there is the shop at the end of the tour.
A Royal Experience – €12.50 (duration 20-60 minutes)
A personal guided tour that teaches you all about the diamond history of Amsterdam. You’ll learn about the 4 C’s of diamonds, see loose diamonds, explore the Royal 201 Patented Collection, see famous artefacts, watch goldsmiths at work and sit at your own polishing table (great for pictures). At the end of the tour you get a goody bag that will help you value your own or your family’s diamonds and diamond jewellery.
Diamond Masterclass – €400 (duration 4-4.5hrs)
Exclusive workshop for 1-2 people at a time only. You’ll get a private tour through the Diamond Museum from a personal guide and master polisher. Along with key facts they will let you know information only an experienced master craftsperson would know. After the tour you sit at the polishing desk to polish your very own diamond. Guided throughout you learn all about Amsterdam diamonds and how to value them. Once your diamond is perfect you move to the private showroom to look at set and unset diamonds and also have the possibility to purchase a setting for the diamond you just polished. At the end of the workshop you receive your diamond plus a Royal Coster Diamonds certificate.
The Engagement Workshop – €49.50 per couple (duration 1-2hrs)
Perfect for couples preparing for engagement or anniversary and want to experience and learn about diamonds together. Take the special personal guided tour, see famous diamond artefacts, experience polishing a diamond, learn the 4 C’s and create your diamond engagement ring. Top it off with a free glass of champagne to celebrate.
Diamond Museum
Tickets from €8. Open 9am-5pm everyday, located on Museumplein, Paulus Potterstraat 8.
The Diamant Museum explores over 400 years of diamond history and why Amsterdam is known as the ‘City of Diamonds’. The premise of the museum is a journey from rock to ring. The journey is an exploration working from miles below your feet, all the way to the sparkling ring on your finger.
Highlights of the Amsterdam diamond museum include various precious artefacts including a diamond tennis racket and skull, an International crown collection and exploration of all the equipment used to make diamonds, and how the 4 C’s work. There is also a jewellery store if the mood takes you.
Other Amsterdam Diamond jewellery makers of interest
City Diamonds
Kalverstraat 51, 1012 N2
Established in 1985 and located in the centre of Amsterdam they design, manufacture and sell diamond jewellery.
Van Amstel Diamond
Herengracht 282, 1016 BX
Amstel Diamonds is a diamond trading company and jewellery manufacturer.
Best places to propose in Amsterdam
What diamond page would be complete without a couple of thoughts on where to propose in Amsterdam. We also have a page all about the most romantic places in Amsterdam that will help you with some ideas too.
Amsterdam Canals
Why not hire a small rowing boat and in the late evening row the beautiful canals together as the sun sets and magic hour takes over. Beautiful light, beautiful location and some privacy in a busy city. Learn more about Amsterdam Canals.
The Skinny Bridge or Magere Bridge
This is such a beautiful bridge at night. It’s thousands of lights reflect in the water below and it has a history of romance you can become a part of. It is a popular proposal spot so make sure there is not another couple on there at the same time! Legend has it that a kiss whilst travelling under the bridge in a boat, means your love will last forever. A proposal here may have legend on your side too.
A’DAM Lookout
For views across Amsterdam, there are few better places. You could have a lovely meal in the restaurant whilst it turns 360 degrees and then go to the Sky Deck for views across Amsterdam, but obviously you will only have eyes for each other. Learn more about A’DAM Lookout.
Keukenhof Gardens
If you are visiting Amsterdam in Spring, then Keukenhof with its incredible tulip fields and displays is sure to feel as romantic as it gets. A proposal here will give you a favourite flower too and reason to return again and again. Learn more about Keukenhof Gardens.
