History of the diamond trade in Amsterdam

The start of the Amsterdam diamond trading began at the end of the sixteenth century (1586), when one diamond polisher called Willem Vermaet chose to make Amsterdam his city of residence. In the seventeenth century, known as 'the Golden age' in Dutch history because of the leading role Amsterdam played in the world economy, the diamond business was centered around the Rembrandtplein. Wars and economic crises heavily damaged the Amsterdam diamond trade. After the Second World War almost nothing was left of it. During the war more than 2000 Amsterdam Jewish diamond polishers were deported to the concentration camps in Germany and Poland.

Restored to its former glory
After the war, the diamond trade recovered some of its earlier glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad. Nowadays, the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Also for industrial diamonds Amsterdam is very important. Most diamond polishers, as well as diamond traders, give demonstrations in diamond cutting and many of the world-renowned diamond stores can be found in Amsterdam.

Famous diamonds
Many famous diamonds were cut and polished in Amsterdam. For example, the "Cullinan," the largest diamond ever found. 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 facets, was cut in Amsterdam.