House of Gassan — Local services in Amsterdam

Do you want to know why diamond prices vary so much?

If your answer is yes, then this is the right place for you to go. Be aware that taking your girlfriend with you would be a huge mistake, especially if you are planning on getting engaged.

My friends and I booked a water tour that included the ticket to get into this museum. I thought we were going to walk around and see some diamonds, but boy I was wrong. They do not keep any secrets to themselves. As soon as we walked in, the host started telling us the history of diamonds, he pointed us toward the windows were we could see some experts cutting and polishing the diamonds, then we went to a room where he started asking questions about why are some diamonds more expensive than others, that was the moment when I got super excited to know and learn more about these beautiful crystals.

We learned about the "carats weight, the color, shape, the cut, the clarity. How do all elements matter when purchasing a diamond was truly an enigma to me until that day. We learned about "the Orange" a 14.82-carat pear shaped gem that was sold for more than $35 million at Christie's . On the same room, they display dazzling rings, crowns, necklaces and so on with multiple diamonds and other gems.

Going back to my previous comment, if you want to impress your girlfriend or future wife, don't take her to this place, because she will become an expert and will easily identify how much you actually paid for her...

I arrived for a tour and was told to head to the first floor as it had just started. There was no group to join, so I spent some time reading the history on the walls, which was interesting, and the employees handling the displays were friendly. I was considering buying a small diamond to replace one on my ring, so I approached a staff member to ask for assistance. She directed me to a room where a tour was wrapping up, as I told her I was lost, but the lady leading the tour was shockingly rude.

When I mentioned I was interested in a purchase and showed her my ring, she brushed me off, saying, “The tour’s finished,” then continued to show jewelry to other people there. I tried again, when I had the turn to speak, explaining I wanted to buy a diamond, and she replied, “Well, you have to know the carat and the cut,” before turning away and pitching to another couple, saying, “Wife is a diamond; diamond good for wife.”

This entire exchange was not only dismissive but also incredibly embarrassing, and it happened in front of a room full of people. I was polite and genuinely interested, so to be treated this way was both surprising and disappointing. A key lesson in business 101: never judge potential clients by their attire. Just because someone isn’t dressed formally doesn’t mean they’re not serious about making a purchase. This experience was a stark reminder of how poor customer service can ruin what should have been a memorable visit and a potential...

The offered guided 'tour' is nothing but a promotional trip. We were offered the 'tour' for free as part of the Hop On Hop Off bus tour and it seemed to be an interesting option to get a closer look at a distinct business. However, the 'tour' lasted about 15 minutes max and involved one room where you could have a look at staff members working on diamonds and historical tools. Even though the history of the company was visible on the walls, very little information was provided.

Afterwards, the group was asked into a show room where diamonds were presented and information about different cuts and carats were given and how they influence the price. Then the 'tour' quickly turned into a sales show. Different jewelry pieces and watches were shown with prices followed by the announcement that these would be'special offers' for this day.

Let's be honest, do they think anyone who can spontaneously buy diamonds and jewelry for that price would take a Hop On Hop off bus tour?

A very awkward and...