Jodenbuurt in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Boas Diamantfabriek (Diamond Factory)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 1, 2022
1. Boas Diamantfabriek (Diamond Factory) Marker
Boas diamantfabriek
Architect J.W. Meijers
Opdrachtgever Diamantslijperij Gebr. Boas NV
Bouwjaar 1879
In 1879 namen de gebroeders Boas deze diamantslijperij in gebruik. Met 357 slijpmolens was het destijds de grootste slijperij van Europa. Van de stoomaandrijving zijn het ketelhuis en de schoorsteen nog op het voorplein aanwezig. Het diamantvak was bij uitstek een joodse aangelegenheid; op het binnenterrein bevond zich dan ook een synagoge. Amsterdam telde tientallen diamantfabrieken. Sinds 1989 wordt de functie van dit gebouw door Gassan Diamonds voortgezet.
Boas diamantfabriek (diamond factory)
Architect J.W. Meijers
Commissioned by Diamantslijperij Gebr. Boas NV (diamond-cutting company)
Year of construction 1879
The Boas brothers put this diamond-cutting company into operation in 1879. With 357 grinders, it was the largest cutting company of its time in Europe. The steam generator and the chimney can still be found in the forecourt. Jews dominated the diamond industry; it is not surprising that a synagogue was located on the inner grounds. There were dozens of diamond factories in Amsterdam at that time. Gassan Diamonds has continued the traditional purpose of this building since 1989.
Erected by IAmsterdam.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the IAmsterdam series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 52° 22.185′ N, 4° 54.201′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Jodenbuurt. It is on Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1011 SM,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rachel Rine (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Stella Hamerslag (about 90 meters away); Waterlooplein / Huis de Pinto (about 90 meters away); De Herschepping Synagogue (about 120 meters away); Huis De Pinto (about 180 meters away); Franz Liszt (about 180 meters away); Municipal Morgue (about 240 meters away); De Portugees Israλlietische Synagoge / The Portuguese Sephardic Synagogue (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . . Amsterdam: The City of Diamonds. Passport 2 Amsterdam website entry (Submitted on September 9, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 1, 2022
2. Boas Diamantfabriek (Diamond Factory) Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here on the left edge of the building in the foreground.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 1, 2022
3. Boas Diamond Factory building
As to why the building has so many windows? Because of the need to optimize the amount of available light to facilitate the inspection and grinding of small stones.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 748 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
