The Netherlands

Delftware. Holland's signature blue-and-white porcelain originated in Delft, where you can still buy tiles, bowls, mugs, and vases decorated with traditional Dutch scenes, windmills, and flowers, in addition to more contemporary designs. Visit Holland's famous delftware factory in Delft, De Porceleyne Fles (tel. +31 [0]15 251 20 30), for tours and hand-painted china. There is also a De Porceleyne Fles store on the premises of Gassan Diamonds in Amsterdam. To avoid purchasing fake copies outside of the De Porceleyne Fles stores, ask for a certificate of authenticity with your purchase, and look for a serial number, workshop mark, and glazer's initials on the underside of the pieces.

Diamonds. Amsterdam remains one of the diamond centers of the world, long after the industry was established in the 16th century. Visitors can shop, take diamond-cutting and polishing tours, speak with craftsmen, and browse showrooms at several Amsterdam stores including Coster Diamonds (tel. +31 [0]20 305 55 55) and Gassan Diamonds (tel. +31 [0] 20 622 53 33).

Crystal. Head to Leerdam for Holland's best crystal. Royal Leerdam Crystal (tel. +31 [0]34 567 16 58) produces exceptional quality crystal from a mixture of silver sand, red lead oxide, and potash. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the factory and watch glassblowers, cutters, and designers at work on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Stop at the CrystalShop on the factory grounds for sparkling clear and colored crystal vases, dishes, glasses, and decorative objects.