Amsterdam has been the City of Diamonds for centuries. Beyond the sparkle lies a fascinating story of craftsmanship, resilience, and social progress. On this private tour, you’ll walk through the heart of Amsterdam’s diamond history, hear the stories of the people behind the trade, and end with an exclusive visit to Gassan Diamonds—where history and luxury come together.
* tour price based on 2,5 hours including VAT, excluding entrance fees. For more hours the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Highlights
- Meet your private guide who will introduce the diamond history of Amsterdam through stories of her own family.
- Walk through the neighborhoods where diamond workers lived and worked, discovering the social and economic impact of the diamond trade. Learn how the first-ever trade union in the Netherlands, founded by diamond workers in 1894, laid the foundation for modern labor rights.
- Explore how the Jewish community shaped Amsterdam’s diamond industry, from skilled craftsmanship to global trade networks.
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Witness the transformation of rough diamonds into stunning jewels at this renowned Amsterdam diamond house, with an exclusive opportunity to browse or purchase a piece of history.
Optional extras
- Prolong and/or customize to your wishes
What our guests say about this tour
"AMAZING DIAMOND TOUR"
I took the tour of the diamond history of Amsterdam. Fantastic! Definitely worth your time. Very detailed and nicely explained using the surrounding buildings. Very much feel as is if you are part of the history.
Toviah, USA
"A DISCOVERING JOURNEY"
Eva took us on a personal tour along houses and former factories, in the area where diamond workers lived up into the 20th century and where diamonds were being processed. She shared special stories about her family members who lived and worked there. The past came to life in a colorful and a touching way. Many thanks for your beautiful stories!
Denise, Netherlands
HISTORY MEETS BRILLIANCE
This tour is perfect for those with a passion for fine jewelry, history, and culture. Whether you’re a diamond enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious about the hidden stories of Amsterdam, this experience offers a deeper understanding of the city’s diamond legacy. And for those looking for a truly special keepsake—this is the perfect moment and place to find it.
Are you considering purchasing some special jewelry, and would you like to add a unique value to this purchase? Before the actual factory visit, you learn everything about the diamond workers of Amsterdam. A 3 km walk takes you through the neighbourhoods of their homes and factories. It is a social story about the changing society in the 19th and 20th century. On the one hand these changes left their mark on the diamond workers. On the other hand, the diamond workers left a strong mark on these changes.
Your guide Eva uses personal stories from her own family tree to illustrate the diamond workers history. Throughout the walk, these people – and their legacy – come back to life.
Gassan Diamonds
We developed the Amsterdam diamonds tour at the request of Royal Coster Diamonds and Gassan Diamonds. These two diamond factories have a long Amsterdam based history, and strive to keep that history visible and alive. After the walking tour, a warm welcome awaits you at one of the diamond factories. While the focus of the city walk is on the people, the focus of the factory visit is on the product: how are diamonds being transformed from raw material to sparkling beauty? This process is being shown amidst jewelry in all kinds and styles. And of course you can take as much time as you like to find your own personal gem to take home with a unique story from Amsterdam.
Jewish history
The majority of the diamond workers was of Jewish descent. Hence a big part of the diamond workers history is intertwined with Jewish history. This tour focuses especially on the decades between the industrial revolution and World War II. These were years of big changes for the diamond workers. The scale and structure of the diamond industry changed completely.
Parallel to these changes, society as a whole changed as well. It was the time of the first social laws: the rise of what we now know as the welfare state. Societal changes influenced the lives of the Jewish citizens. And a lot of Jewish citizens influenced the societal changes.
A legacy of change: the Diamond Workers’ Union
In 1894, Amsterdam’s diamond workers founded the General Diamond Workers’ Union (ANDB)—the first trade union in the Netherlands. What began as a fight for fair wages and better working conditions grew into a movement that shaped the foundations of the Dutch welfare state.
The ANDB was instrumental in securing essential workers’ rights, including minimum wage, paid vacations, and sick leave—rights that are now taken for granted but were revolutionary at the time. The union also provided education, healthcare, and cultural programs for its members, setting an example for future labor movements.
Though the diamond industry in Amsterdam has changed over the years, the impact of these early trade unions remains deeply embedded in Dutch society. As we walk through the streets where these workers lived and organized, we’ll explore how their legacy still influences labor rights today.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for young children?
This tour is suitable from the age of 12.
Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
The tour is appropriate for guests with good mobility. We can adjust the walking pace and include short breaks if necessary.
Can this tour be done by car?
No. As the streets are too narrow, the historical center of Amsterdam is best covered by foot.
The weather is bad, what happens now?
Amsterdam Odyssey tours will take place under any weather conditions, unless a formal warning regarding the weather has been issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly!
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