As we are nowadays associating Antwerp with diamonds, and diamonds with Antwerp, the exclusive Harper's Bazaar's evening invitation was sowing the seeds of doubt:
...... Is Amsterdam the better place to be for diamond shopping?
Golden Age, Diamonds and Amsterdam
Diamonds, gold and pearls came to Amsterdam already in the Golden Age.
The city provided attractive and tolerant conditions for immigrants. Jewish traders and diamond cutters were welcome and registered since 1586. Even poor up-and-coming citizens could make their way to society and success by cutting diamonds. At the time, Amsterdam was very tolerant and open in terms of religion, while the rest of Europe closed itself towards other beliefs than Christian.
The VOC imported large quantities of diamonds and jewelry from Asia and South America in the 17th Century. The Dutch traders were powerful and daring. The sturdy merchants mastered to sail across the oceans against all risks. They collected diamonds, gold and gemstones and the jewelry which they distributed to citizens and the noble courts of Europe. Even Moscow and St Petersburg were very close to the Eastern Europe border at that time. Amsterdam was the beating heart of diamond trade.
Trade with Russia
"Jewels! The glitters at the Russian Court" at the museum "Hermitage" in Amsterdam gives some ideas about the impact of the Golden Age on Russia. It is the ideal point of departure for a diamond jewelry shopping tour. The excessive and joyful gemstone and pearls jewelry designs at the end of the 18th/ 19th Century are exhibited in collaboration with the famous Hermitage in St Petersburg.
The fabulous jewels of the Tsar era are an essential part of a fairytale-like visit. The exhibition is open until the 15th of March 2020 and is centrally located, only 5 minutes from the busy High- Street Dam. From there, some of the Dutch jewelry houses are in walking distance.
About the exhibition: the Tsars and Tsarinas, on their behalf, were neither stingy nor addicted to false modesty. No ruby too big, no pearl strand too excessive for the powerful.
Our guide reveals the vocabulary of privilege: "Tiara" and "Chatelaine", to be explained. The Chatelaine was the lady who held all the keys to the castle. She opened the doors, but of course with dazzling bejeweled key-pendants. Silk shoes are contemporary witnesses of how the pre-revolutionary Russian elite danced the nights away. Many paintings of the artist and fashion lover Franz Winterhalter let the glamour of the empire resurrect. There is so much uniqueness to see, treasure boxes, lockets, ballroom fashion of the period, pearls, rubies, sapphires.
Bespoke Jewelry Houses of Amsterdam
Maybe back to Nature with Bibi van der Velden?
The Dutch conceptual artist opens her doors to a contemporary exhibition in a trendy backyard in the centre: a touch of Ibiza in Amsterdam. Dressed all in white, she radiates light and the chic spirit of innovation in a rather dark showroom. Her jewelry design style: sculptural and naturalistic.
Bibi van der Velden has successfully set up her own jewelry line with the joyful and often ironic motives of Nature. Most items are made from sustainable gold, some of them are adorned with diamonds. Besides, she launched with her husband Thomas de Haas a jewelry platform called "auverture.com" to give a stage to authentic jewelry designers with the most original ideas. Have a look at Auverture, and you will understand that creativity always comes first for the curators! Also, her large sculptures are impressive to see.
Try to catch this rewarded talent if you can, before she is leaving for Portugal!
Maybe tradition and mutual love with Lyppens?
Fine jeweler Lyppens and their audience are obviously in mutual love and everlasting passion- for diamonds. The shop is located just around premium shopper's magnet "Bijenkorf" at the Dam. Not only now, but Lyppens is in family business already for sixty years! The location is in historical rooms which continue to exist without any change. A dizzying staircase says it all. Customers spare no efforts to see the boutique and come from places far away in the country. No diamonds and rings can be reserved: sold is sold. Internet plans? Lyppens is sceptical. They want the customers to be happy by the personal touch.
Lyppens aires quite the " Everybody is welcome" spirit. The jewels and watches are of excellent quality and highly-priced. Nonetheless, they look somehow accessible.
Did I mention that my own engagement ring is from Lyppens?
Always a place to come back to, maybe for an anniversary ring? Lyppens smiles, inviting of course.
Maybe glamour at the house of Royal Asscher Diamonds X Schaap en Citroen?
The epitome of Luxury in diamonds, made in Amsterdam, here it is. Mike Asscher announces that he is to follow the legacy of the diamond cutting house as the 6th generation Principal, next spring.
Mike points out that true Luxury is distinctive. Asscher's diamonds sparkle in more facets, and that has a reason. Their worldwide patented Asscher Cut and also a particular 74 facets round-cut guarantee discreteness. 74 are 17 facets more than the popular Round Brilliant cut of then-inventor Marc Tolkowsky. The extra facets twinkle and glitter from many spectacular diamond designs in the boutique. The abstract designs find a beautiful and delicate balance between innovation and classicism at the same time. Royal Asscher offers as well rare fancy colour diamonds in their boutique. They promise to be the lucky number for an investment. Perhaps a watery blue one or a royal orange tint? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and tackles emotions.
Royal Asscher values the client's diamond education, wishes and buying experience. Champagne is all- in, and served with courtesy. However, the noble house is taking the lead towards closings. The options are there to order.
Let's make magic happen. It feels like the stars so close!
In the second Schaap en Citroen's Branded Boutique around the corner, watches are there to be (re-)discovered, and branded jewelry is in focus.
Do you need more inspiration?
In Harper's Bazaar new jewelry edition, the magazine sheds light on the relation of jewelry and fashion. Extravagant jewels, watches, strong women and the value of accessorizing outfits are channelling the spirit of now.
A shopping tour in Amsterdam will provide you with marvellous ideas and cultural awe.
But in Antwerp, it might be worth to negotiate to get the very best deal. My tip: Check out both cities, Amsterdam and Antwerp, for the choice of your dream jewelry. A personal bespoke jewel is always the most special and beautiful what you can get!
Don't hesitate to call me for your bespoke orders and qualified diamond- buying advice, +31 648269238.
See you in the city of diamonds!
Editorial
Amsterdam Juwelennacht
Invitation and Curation: Harper's Bazaar / Milushka van het Lam
Museum and Exhibition: "Jewels!", Hermitage Amsterdam
Bibi van der Velden, Lauriergracht 6 A, 1016 RL Amsterdam
Lyppens Jeweler, Langebrugsteeg 8, 1012 GB Amsterdam
Schaap en Citroen X Royal Asscher , Pieter Cornelis Hooftstraat 142-F , 1071 CE Amsterdam
Schaap en Citroen Branded Boutique, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 40, 1071 BZ Amsterdam
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