House of Gassan Amsterdam: free diamond-cutting factory tour, opening hours and tips
House of Gassan (Gassan Diamonds) occupies a former diamond-cutting factory dating from 1879 on the island of Uilenburg, a short walk from the Jewish quarter. The "Diamond Experience" guided tour is free: a guide explains the 4 Cs of a diamond (carat, colour, clarity, cut) and you see the polishers at work. Gassan is also a jeweller with a shop, with no obligation to buy. No reservation is needed to walk in, and the venue is open every day from 9am to 5:30pm.
Highlights
The polishing workshop
The benches where polishers work on the diamonds are the most interesting part: the guides show how a rough stone becomes a brilliant.
A cut diamond
After the demonstration, the tour explains why the shape of the cut changes a stone's sparkle, using the house diamond GASSAN 121.
A factory from 1879
The building is a restored former steam-powered diamond factory. In 1990 the company moved back to the place where its founder, Samuel Gassan, worked before the war.
The history of cutting in Amsterdam
The firm, founded in 1945, has run tours of its workshop since 1955; a historical tour completes the offer, on the history of the diamond industry in the city.
The other tours
The site also offers a tour with champagne, a hands-on polishing workshop and private group tours, all paid.
Practical info
Tips
- The "Diamond Experience" tour is free; the champagne tours, the polishing workshop and private events are paid (check the prices on the official website before booking). Walk in for the free tour; book online for paid or group options. The site advertises tours in 27 languages, a single-level route and wheelchair access. The I amsterdam City Card gives free access to the experience. Gassan is a jewellery house: the free tour also serves as a showcase for its shop, and nobody has to buy. It combines well with the nearby Jewish Cultural Quarter and the Joods Museum.
How to get there
Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, 1011 LN Amsterdam, on the island of Uilenburg. The address is close to the Waterlooplein market and the Nieuwmarkt, both reached on foot.
Opening hours
Nearby
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