I live in Amsterdam!
Go to the Grimburgwal, there are several shops en galleries (f.i.
Hans Appenzeller), gallery Ra at de Vijzelgracht is the leading
gallery in Amsterdam for modern jewelry, be sure you ask them to
unlock all the drawers! You are so lucky! A big retrospective
exposition in de beurs van Berlage (nice architecture too) dealing
with dutch jewelry, has just opened his doors.
If you are also interested in historical art of the dutch, then you
must visit The Rijksmuseum. They are celebrating their 200th
anniversary with a seldom seen exhibition of the golden century
(Rembrandts time). Besides de Nachtwacht you cann see al kind of
paintings, silverwork (Vianen en Lutma, famous dutch
silversmiths)Delfst blauw, etc. After you visit the Rijksmuseum,
visit de jewelrygallery van Anneke Schat at de Spiegelgracht, one of
the leading ladies in dutch jewelry. At the Prinsengracht is the
gallery Louise Smit, also with contempory jewelry.
Schoonhoven is the historical silvercentre of Holland, the goldsmith
school is also situated there. If you happen to be in holland at
monday 12th of june (white monday in holland), there is an annual
silverday in Schoonhoven. With exhibitions of students, galleries,
wholesales, demonstrations. Also visit the watertower in Schoonhoven,
they always have a wonderfull silverexpo (silverwork).
You do know that the european championship footbal is taking place in
june in Holland and Belgium? We don’t expect problems with hooligans,
but you knever know!
Hope you will enjoy your visit in Holland. Hope to hear from you
weather you liked the suggestions. You cann e-mail me off-line if you
want to.
have fun
Marlein Bong