Diamond City

Amsterdam has a long history in the diamond trade and industry. The city has been a trading center for the sale of diamonds since the 16th century when the Serphadic Jews established the diamond cutting industry. Today, diamond cutting businesses are found throughout the city and several of them offer tours. These tours are free and usually take place between 9 and 5 during the day. Diamonds are not necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam, but they are reasonably priced. You’ll also have the opportunity to see them be cut and polished. If you do decide to make a purchase, it will come with an extensive description, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Diamond tours

The following renowned diamond companies offer tours where you’ll be given information about cutting and polishing. They also sell finished diamonds:

Costerdiamonds

Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors stop by at Coster Diamonds to see the craftsman at work. The tour is led by a guide and is available in over 25 languages. The process of cutting and polishing is explained to you in detail. After the tour, visitors may admire the different showrooms.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 2-4
Tel. +31 20 305 55 55
Open daily 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours, weekends too.
http://www.costerdiamonds.com/

Gassan Diamonds

A tour at Gassan Diamonds will take about 30 minutes and is free.
Address: Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175
Tel. +31 20 622 53 33
Open daily 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours, weekends too.
http://www.gassandiamonds.com/

Amstel Diamonds

One of the oldest cutters hosts an exhibition about the history of cutting diamonds. Amstel Diamonds is situated in a historical mansion in Amsterdam and sells unique diamond pieces. Entry is free.
Address: Amstel 206 – 208
Tel. +31 20 623 14 79
Open daily 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours, Sundays 10.00 uur - 17.00 uur
http://www.amsteldiamonds.nl/

Diamond Museum

A museum on two floors of a majestic villa across from the Van Gogh Museum and next to Coster Diamonds. You can view interesting multimedia presentations about the history of diamonds and their irresistible glamor. There are many replicas of the crown jewels of Dutch and British royal houses on display. Entry is free.
Adress: Paulus Potterstraat 8
Tel. +31 20 30 55 300
Open daily 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours, weekends too.
http://www.diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl/

Jewelers

You’ll find unique jewelers throughout Amsterdam. Aside from large, international companies like Cartier you’ll also encounter many smaller jewelers. They often sell authentic precious stones wrought at the hands of local craftsmen.

The Diamond Stock Exchange

The Diamond Stock Exchange in Amsterdam (est. 1879, member of the Global Federation of Diamond Stock Exchanges) sells diamonds to the professional market.
Address: Hogehilweg 14
Tel. +31 20 696 22 51
http://www.diamantbeurs.org/