The “City of Diamonds”, as Amsterdam was once known has been offered a special elite glamour by being the host of some of the most valuable and expensive diamonds in the world. It is not only that Amsterdam is only one of the major jewelry centers around the globe, but also it has had a rich history and tradition in the manufacture of rare gems. Sephardic Jews were the clan who brought Diamond cutting to Amsterdam at the end of the 16th century. However it gathered and experienced great popularity as well as development among locals and foreigners very soon.

There are hundreds of gifted cutters and polishers in Amsterdam who transform rough diamonds into precious, priceless gems and jewelry. If the tourist desires than the daring tourists can take part in one of the most dazzling metamorphoses. Visitors are given the chance to assist diamond manufacturers in the process of diamond cutting first-hand and witness, thus, more than four hundred years of evolution in an almost mystical field.

The craftsmanship and tradition of diamond in Amsterdam can be certified by many important works which has been done in Amsterdam. The “Cullinan”, the diamond which has the largest size in the world was cut in the old Amsterdam. It is a work of art to see these beautiful pieces. “Koh-I-Noor” meaning The Mountain of Light, and is among the collection of Crown Jewels of England was also cut and polished in old Amsterdam. All these have been turned into genuine art pieces. The smallest diamond in the world with only 0.00012 carat weight was cut in the city. Though small in size it is very valuable due to its 57 facets.

One is spoilt for choice in the city of diamonds. If one wants to buy or just wants to assist in the production of diamonds, there are plenty of places like the shops - Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center, Van Moppes Diamonds, Stoeltie Diamonds and Coster Diamonds. All these shops not only welcome visitors but also are happy to receive their guests and introduce them in the bright universe of world-class gems.

Van Moopes Diamonds is the diamonds shop which was the first to introduce visitors in 1955 so as to let them watch and assist the process of diamond cutting and polishing every day. If customers decide upon a diamond or jewelry, craftsmen can adapt it to personal preferences o the spot, so lucky buyers can enjoy it as soon as possible.

One of the oldest diamond shops is the Coster Diamonds. It is much more than a diamond and jewelry center. It has the privilege of being one of Amsterdam’s oldest diamond factories bearing the blaze of tradition and high quality. It has more than 160 years of experience in the diamond industry. Coster Diamonds can proud of the fact that it has re- polished one of the largest diamonds in the world, Great Britain’s crown jewel, Koh-I-Noor. Coster Diamonds is the favorite destination of thousands of tourists every year in search of beholding how world’s most valuable gems take shape. Dedicated craftsmen are ready to share the secrets of how cutting and polishing needs to be done to bring out the best of a diamond. Tours are free of charge and multilingual.

Rahul Viz
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