Nowadays the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Most diamond polishers as well as diamond traders give demonstrations in diamond cutting.
When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world’s most important diamond centers. During the War more than 2000 Jewish diamond polishers disappeared from Amsterdam into concentration camps in Germany and Poland. After the war the diamond trade was in part returned to its former glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad.
The most popular diamond shops can be found in Amsterdam such as: Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center and Coster Diamonds. Many famous diamonds were cut and polished in Amsterdam. For example, the “Cullinan”, the largest diamond ever found. But also the “Koh-I-Noor”, which means Mountain of Light, was cut for the British Crown Jewels in 1852. Furthermore, the world’s smallest diamond, just 0.00012 carat, but with 57 facest, was also cut in Amsterdam.
