Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam
Prior to the cataclysmic outbreak of World War II, a substantial portion of Amsterdam's Jewish population was engaged in the intricate craft of diamond cutting and polishing, a historical facet of the city's heritage. While the diamond industry has somewhat receded from prominence today, one remarkable exception endures in the form of the Gassan Diamonds factory, which occupies a grand and substantial brick edifice dating back to 1879.
Guided tours of this establishment offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of diamond craftsmanship, encompassing visits to the cutting and polishing ateliers, as well as a leisurely exploration of the diamond jewelry showroom, where one may contemplate and, if inclined, acquire a resplendently brilliant yet diminutive keepsake.
Essentially, your visit commences with the issuance of a sticker, ushering you into a 15-minute tour that unveils the artistry of a diamond polisher at work, accompanied by an informative overview of the diamond refinement process. Subsequently, you are afforded the opportunity to convene for an in-depth discussion elucidating the nuances of color and clarity, supplemented by visual aids comprising diamonds ranging from the modestly priced to the truly opulent, with values spanning from €100 to €50,000. To add to the allure, the premises boast an expansive souvenir emporium, replete with an extensive assortment of coveted blue and white delftware.
Guided tours of this establishment offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of diamond craftsmanship, encompassing visits to the cutting and polishing ateliers, as well as a leisurely exploration of the diamond jewelry showroom, where one may contemplate and, if inclined, acquire a resplendently brilliant yet diminutive keepsake.
Essentially, your visit commences with the issuance of a sticker, ushering you into a 15-minute tour that unveils the artistry of a diamond polisher at work, accompanied by an informative overview of the diamond refinement process. Subsequently, you are afforded the opportunity to convene for an in-depth discussion elucidating the nuances of color and clarity, supplemented by visual aids comprising diamonds ranging from the modestly priced to the truly opulent, with values spanning from €100 to €50,000. To add to the allure, the premises boast an expansive souvenir emporium, replete with an extensive assortment of coveted blue and white delftware.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gassan Diamonds on Map
Sight Name: Gassan Diamonds
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jodenbuurt (Jewish Quarter) of Amsterdam had been the center of the Dutch Jewish community from the 16th century up until the Second World War. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Baruch Spinoza, the home of Rembrandt, and the Jewish ghetto under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Red Light District Walking Tour
Amsterdam's Rosse Buurt (Red Light District) has been the subject of much fascination for centuries. The medieval part of it, also the largest, known as De Wallen (or De Walletjes), is particularly famous for its fantastic juxtaposition of age-old architecture, leaning canal houses, narrow alleys lined with old-school bars, quaint shops and late-night pursuits. Of course, the main draw here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
City Center Walking Tour
The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, some say, “dances to its own beat.” Indeed, Amsterdam – where “hipness meets history” – has a rather unusual life rhythm and style, famously manifested in the air of legalized cannabis, coffee shops, and the Red Light District. In large part, this “air of freedom” attracts annually to the city over five million visitors.
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Jordaan Walking Tour
The Jordaan district of Amsterdam is a popular neighborhood renowned for its charming, narrow streets, quaint courtyards, and picturesque canals. Replete with beautiful historic houses, many of which have been converted into cozy cafés, trendy boutiques, and art galleries, this district has a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas in the city.
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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