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Amsterdam is arguably the most glorious city in the
 Netherlands. Some people know it only as the capital and most populous city in
 Holland, but there is much more to see and do in this city for adventure lovers
 and outdoor freaks.

Amsterdam is famous for its majestic canals, some of which
 you can explore on foot. Indeed, there are so many canals here that the city
 was christened, The Venice of the North. The city's beautiful houses speak to
 its rich heritage of architectural excellence. Amsterdam is also one of the
 oldest cities in Europe, whose long history began in the 13th century. However,
 the town's development started near the end of the 12th century around the
 Amstel River. Amsterdam derives its current name from this river, though it
 might have been known as Amstelledamme.

Amsterdam is also known for its flexible drug laws and is
 one of the only cities in the world where you can check into any coffee shop
 and order a package of weed.

The Venice of the North is a renowned tourist haven. It
 boasts numerous recreational parks that offer welcome relief from bustling city
 life, a notable example being Vondel Park. Tourists can also explore the city's
 enchanting sandy beaches and historic water canals. Most of these have earned
 their listings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. But to truly unravel the
 history of Amsterdam, you would need to check into the Amsterdam City Archives.
 Also known as the Stadsarchief, this archive is a treasure trove of knowledge
 and information on Amsterdam's history and significant milestones.

It does not matter whether you are visiting Amsterdam for
 the first time. You will always experience its vibrant nightlife. The Amsterdam
 Red Light District ranks among the busiest pleasure districts in Europe. It is
 an excellent place if you are craving a trip into the ecstatic land of sensual
 stimulation.

However, your trip to Amsterdam would only be complete with
 visiting some great shopping centers. Places like The Magna Plaza, De Bijenkorf,
 and the Waterlooplein Flea Market have one thing in common. Such centers offer
 a fun-filled shopping experience. You can find almost anything, from
 groceries to souvenirs and even jewelry. But when it comes to jewelry shopping,
 the stakes are always different. You must be extra vigilant during your
 shopping ventures, especially if the jewelry in question is diamonds.

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world to shop
 for diamonds due to its rich history of the diamond trade, coupled with
 favorable jewelry retail practices. This post shall uncover the secret behind
 Amsterdam's success as a diamond city. You will also learn to get the best
 bargains when buying diamonds in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam

The Belgium city of Antwerp is the undisputed world's
 diamond capital. Amsterdam plays a significant role in the global diamond
 industry. The city has one of the richest histories in diamond mining and
 trade.

For centuries, Amsterdam was regarded as the diamond city
 of the world. One of the factors that earned the town that tag was its
 strategic location. Amsterdam's convenient location bolstered trade in the
 region significantly. Central to this was the Dutch East India Company. Also
 known as the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, this is a company that was
 founded on March 20, 1602, by Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. Its primary mission was
 to explore the riches in the Dutch colonies and invest them back home.

The Dutch East India Company primarily served Eurasia and
 the Greater India areas. At the time, India was a famous diamond-mining
 country, so diamonds were some of the wealth the VOC ships brought to Holland.
 Besides diamonds, VOC ships brought spices obtained from the South Sea Islands.

The efforts of the VerenigdeOostindischeCompagnie were instrumental
 in the growth of the Holland diamond industry. From such exploits, Amsterdam
 gradually developed into a global diamond exchange center.

At some point, diamond mining activities in India declined,
 thanks to the diamond discovery in Brazil. However, the Amsterdam diamond trade
 was not affected at all because even the Brazilian diamonds were, for the most
 part, sold through India. Therefore, the Dutch East India Company could still
 source them during its frequent voyages to India.

The availability of labor is another factor attributed to
 the rise of Amsterdam's diamond industry. Amsterdam was a major stop-over for
 African slaves en route to the Americas. Enterprising jewelry merchants
 retained some slaves as a source of cheap labor. A few years before this,
 Holland had offered free passage to thousands of Jews. The Jews were fleeing
 Spain in the wake of the 1492 Alhambra Decree edict. Sixteen years later, Jews
 were also expelled from Portugal. Holland witnessed such a massive influx of
 Jews that it became known as Jerusalem of the North. Incidentally, nearly all
 the Jews settled in Amsterdam.

When they flew into Holland, these Jews maintained business
 ties with their friends in Portugal. In 1725, the Dutch successfully negotiated
 a business contract with the Portuguese Crown. According to this contract, the
 Dutch would buy all the diamonds that had been recently discovered in Brazil.
 With the availability of raw materials and human resources, the diamond
 business in Holland flourished.

But on December 31, 1799, VOC ceased its operations. As
 such, it became difficult to sustain the lucrative diamond trade. And when
 Henry Hope made a trade agreement with Portuguese rulers in Brazil, London
 became the new diamond city. But for the most part, London was the center of
 trade for rough diamonds. Amsterdam remained a diamond-cutting and trading
 center.

However, the dynamic diamond merchants in Amsterdam did not
 take these developments lightly. Therefore, they embarked on a mission to
 restore the city's glory as a diamond center. In November 1894, an iconic
 organization, the General Dutch Diamond Manufacturers Union, was established.
 The organization sought to unite diamond artisans. A year later, diamond
 employers also created their body – the General Jewelers Union.

Fortunately, the city began to regain its lost reputation
 as a global diamond hub. Four years later, Amsterdam saw the establishment of
 the first diamond exchange center, but these restorative efforts did not
 ultimately serve to regain the city's lost glory. The competition for the diamond
 trade by other cities set in first and furious, and upon the silting of The
 Zwin, much of the diamond trade moved to Antwerp. However, Amsterdam still
 enjoys a reputation as one of the world's most charming diamond cities.

Amsterdam Diamond District

Amsterdam enjoys a rich history in the diamond trade, which
 is one reason you might want to go shopping for diamonds there. Therein, you
 will find some of the most skilled diamond cutters. Many of these are Jews that
 fled Spain and Portugal in the late fifteenth century. Since time immemorial,
 Jews have always had a deep connection with diamonds. Indeed, a considerable
 chunk of the Amsterdam Jewish population works in the city's diamond industry.
 If you are looking for elegantly cut and perfectly polished diamonds, this city
 is the place to look.

Amsterdam experienced tremendous milestones during its
 heydays as a diamond hub. Many iconic diamonds owe their identities to this
 city, a notable mention being the Koh-i-Noor which holds the record among the
 world's largest cut diamonds. The 105.6-carat diamond is believed to have
 originated in the Indian Kollur mine. At the time, its carat weight was higher;
 however, the weight reduced as the diamond changed hands. After the 1849
 British annexation of Punjab, the diamond was ceded to Queen Victoria. Koh-i-Noor
 is presently available at the Tower of London in the UK. Cullinan is another
 famous diamond that was cut in Amsterdam.

One of the most famous cuts, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petragems.com/education/asscher-cut-diamonds/">Asscher cut</a>, also
 traces its roots to Amsterdam. The Asscher cut was developed by Joseph Asscher,
 who went on to patent the term. The cut became an instant craze in the 1920s
 and 1930s. Then, it was associated with higher social classes, and even though
 other cuts came about as time went by, it remains one of the most
 favorite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petragems.com/education/diamond-cut/">diamond cuts</a>. Most
 people especially prefer the Asscher cut, as it makes a diamond look reasonably
 small. Therefore, you can increase the carat weight without significantly
 affecting a diamond's optical size.

As you can see, Amsterdam enjoys an eventful history in the
 diamond trade, implying that shopping for diamonds in this glorious city
 enables you to relive these critical milestones.

The city of Amsterdam is home to about a dozen diamond
 factories. Therefore, you are assured of variety whenever you shop for diamonds
 here, which translates to relative affordability. In addition to a vast range
 of diamonds, these factories also offer numerous guided tours, which, in most
 cases, are free. On these tours, you will learn more about the diamond-cutting
 process, how stones are graded, and the factors determining their final
 price.

Lastly, Amsterdam boasts numerous stores and facilities
 that have immortalized its rich heritage in diamonds; one such is the Amsterdam
 Diamond Museum. The Amsterdam Diamond Museum is locally known as the Diamant
 Museum, nestled between the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Coster Diamonds
 created the museum in 1840. Herein, you will learn about how diamonds were
 geologically created and how humans became passionate about the stone. You will
 also explore how diamonds gained recognition as a symbol of wealth, beauty, and
 power.

Your visit to the Diamant Museum begins by watching a short
 film introducing you to the basics of diamonds for Amsterdam. Afterward, you
 can explore everything there is to know about diamonds, from some of
 the world's most iconic diamonds cut in Amsterdam to historical crowns
 decorated with stones. You will also discover how diamond inspires glamor in
 the fashion and entertainment industries. Interestingly, the tours are both a
 learning and a thrill-filled experience.

Buying Diamonds in Amsterdam

Coster Diamonds

Also known as the Royal Coster Diamonds, this is the
 world's oldest diamond polishing factory still in operation. The factory was
 established in 1840 by Moses Elias Coster in Waterlooplein, Amsterdam. In 1970,
 the company moved its location to the Paulus Potterstraat. Coster Diamonds is
 also the brains behind the Diamond Museum of Amsterdam. The company set up this
 museum in 2007 to display its exquisite diamond products. Some of the diamonds
 the factory has handled include the Koh-i-Noor. Besides, the factory also
 re-polished the Dresden Green Diamond, currently held at Dresden Castle.

Coster Diamonds has also polished the world's smallest
 diamond. The 0.0000743 carat stone is available on display within the factory.
 The company offers free guided tours to their clients, available in over 25
 languages. During these tours, you will uncover how diamond cutting and
 polishing work. Afterward, you can sample the different kinds of diamonds
 available in the factory's showrooms. Coster Diamonds has numerous private
 sales rooms for buyers looking for a bit of discretion.

Gassan Diamonds

Gassan Diamonds is located at NieuweUilenburgerstraat
 173-175 - 1011LN Amsterdam. Like Coster Diamonds, Gassan Diamonds is a factory
 and a showroom, all rolled into one. You can sample loose diamonds and a wide
 assortment of diamond jewelry. The factory was established in 1945, right after
 the end of World War 2. The founder, Samuel Gassan, started a company that
 traded raw and cut diamonds.

Gassan Diamonds employs staff who speak multiple languages
 and are always happy to take you through breathtaking tours of the factory's
 history. You will learn about the origin of diamonds and the cutting process
 and have the rare privilege of viewing the GASSAN 121. GASSAN 121 is an iconic
 diamond famous for its many dimensions. The additional facets account for its
 beauty and brilliance. Though it originally came in 57 aspects, GASSAN 121 has
 since been developed into 121 facets.

As a jewelry retailer, Gassan is the preeminent leader in
 the fields of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie. You will find their shops
 on the ground floor, where they feature an extensive range of diamond jewelry.
 The company primarily works with high-end brands, which speaks to the elegance
 and prestigious nature of their jewelry. Gassan is open every day from 09:00 to
 17:00. Remember to secure an appointment first to have a splendid experience
 while touring the company.

Amstel Diamonds

Here is another factory that enjoys a colorful history as a
 diamond polisher. Amstel Diamonds offers both vintage and contemporary diamond
 designs. The company also promises a lifetime warranty on its treated diamonds.
 Plus, you get a 7-day viewing period.

Amstel is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday
 from 10 am - 5 pm. Customer service here is exceptional. The company will take
 you through a journey of discovery before you can find your preferred diamonds.

The Royal Asscher Diamond
 Company

The Asscher dynasty owns the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.
 The company's history goes back to 1854 when the Asscher family of diamond
 experts founded it. The famous Asscher cut, designed and commissioned by Joseph
 Asscher, gave this company some spotlight during the 1920s and 30s.

However, the company was already a household name years
 before that. As a significant diamond cutter, its role was cemented in 1908,
 when King Edward VII of Great Britain commissioned Asscher to cleave Cullinan.
 Cullinan was a 3,106-carat, which remains one of the largest diamond finds to
 date.

Joseph Asscher was able to cut up to nine pieces from
 Cullinan. The largest of these cuts is a 530.20-carat Cullinan I, also known as
 the Great Star of Africa. The second-largest is the 317.4-carat Cullinan II,
 commonly referred to as the Second Star of Africa. These two diamonds form part
 of the UK Crown Jewels. Seven other diamonds, weighing 208.29 carats in total,
 are under Queen Elizabeth II's private ownership.

Royal Asscher is presently one of the most successful
 diamond companies in the world. Besides Amsterdam, the company has jewelry
 stores in Japan and China.

The Diamond Stock Exchange

The Diamond Stock Exchange, locally known as De Amsterdamse
 Diamantbeurs, was established in 1870. It is the oldest diamond exchange center
 in the world. De Amsterdamse Diamantbeurs is not primarily a diamond-cutting
 factory or a jewelry vendor. Instead, it is more like a regulatory body that
 enforces the rules of the diamond trade.

The Diamond Exchange faced invasions during the Second
 World War. Most traders were forced to flee Holland, and those that remained
 had their merchandise confiscated. However, it eventually survived those
 onslaughts, and operations resumed as usual. On January 1, 2019, the Bourse
 moved to Amstelveen, a short distance from Amsterdam.

Besides the diamond factories discussed here, which also double
 as jewelry outlets, Amsterdam is home to many other renowned diamond vendors.
 Examples include Cartier at PC Hooftstraat 132-134, 1071 CE Amsterdam, and
 Zazare Diamonds at Weteringschans 89, 1017 RZ Amsterdam. Another reputable
 merchant is Swarovski, situated at Kalverstraat 113, 1012 PA Amsterdam. Each of
 these stores prides itself on providing unique pieces of diamonds. You can
 choose your desired setting and cut, after which it takes roughly half an hour
 for the jewel to be ready.

Famous Diamond Factories in Amsterdam

Compared to most cities globally, it is reasonably easy to
        buy diamonds in Amsterdam due to the presence of old diamond factories. These factories offer

Shopping for Diamonds in Amsterdam in 2023

Sharif Khan

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