Amsterdam is a major historical location for the diamond industry.
Walking down the streets you will see a lot of jewelry stores as well
as many diamond businesses with prominent security systems and signs
reading "guided diamond tours".
If you go on these tours you'll see some breathtaking diamonds, as well
a chance to see these stones being cut and polished. And if you have
some cash to spare, purchase one for $4000 to $400,000.
Amsterdam has an extended history relating to diamonds, and has been a
major diamond center since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond
cutting industry to Amsterdam in the later 16th century. Nowadays there
are about a dozen diamond cutting facilities in the city, 5 of which
offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to
5pm each day.
Amsterdam has an extended heritage in the diamond business, and has
been a major European diamond center since Sephardic Jews introduced
the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Ultra-Orthodox
Jews are still prominent in worldwide diamond marketing and
distribution, and urban legend has it they hide diamonds in their
beards to move them through customs without being detected. Diamonds
are not necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam; however prices are fairly
competitive. At least you will have seen the stones being worked, and
when you purchase from a factory you get an extensive description of
the diamond you acquire so you know exactly what you are buying.
The following renowned diamond stores offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours, and sales of the finished diamonds:
Coster Diamonds
Gassan Diamonds
Stoeltie Diamonds
Van Moppes Diamonds, which was the the 1st company to offer guided tours.
Be sure to sample authentic Dutch food at the numerous cafes. If you
have a chance eat a "brodje haring" (an open-faced sandwich with salted
herring) or try other seafood specialties from the cuisine of this
seafaring nation.
The best time to visit Holland is spring or fall when the heat of
summer and the droves of tourists have departed and the leaves on the
trees aren't blocking the review of the monumental facades. The winters
are penetratingly cold and wet with lots of rain and sleet. Because of
the high humidity, it actually feels as cold as the thirty-below
winters common in Canada. Come in spring (March through May) and catch
the Holland Flower Festival at Keukenhof.
If you're over 40, make sure you pack a pair of reading/magnifying
glasses: museums tend to utilise microscopic lettertypes for their
descriptive plaques.
Just here are a select few of Amsterdam's major attractions:
Anne Frank Home (Anne Frank Huis)
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Van Gogh Museum
Red Light District
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)
Dam Square
Sauna Deco
Amsterdam sail:
Sail Amsterdam
If you love boats, KNSM Island with its shipping history is the place
for you. Every five years this harbor area of Amsterdam hosts the Sail
event. Every new edition attracts even more visitors (Sail 2000
welcomed two and a half million people). Every edition also offers even
more Tall Ships and even more cultural activities in the area.
The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of works by Vincent
Van Gogh, the tragic artist who cut off his ear and committed suicide.
You will find more than 200 incredible works from the Master’s hand, as
well as 500 drawings and 700 written documents. Together these provide
a historic insight into his life and art.
Amsterdam is a fascinating place with lots of things to see and do
besides diamonds and diamond businesses. After one visit I'm sure
you'll be so fascinated you will be determined to come back.
