The search for the perfect diamond – a symbol of eternal love and the quest for perfection – has always been associated with the city of Antwerp. A place of profound importance for the international diamond trade, Belgium’s biggest port has rightfully earned its place as the capital of the world’s diamond business.
Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world for several centuries, a title that hasn’t been easily earned. The diamond trade in the port started nearly 500 years ago when the first rough stones were brought over from India. Gradually, local diamond traders rose to prominence with their attention to detail and exuberant selection until even the King of France, François I, started ordering his diamonds from the master cutters in Antwerp rather than in Paris.
Established in 1973, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is one of the world’s most renowned private companies that officially represents and coordinates the Antwerp diamond sector. Located in heart of Antwerp in the Hoveniersstraat, it directs the import and export of diamonds in and out of Antwerp. Antwerp is home to all major diamond mining companies, which source diamonds for thousands of diamond dealers across the globe. After the end of the Second World War, the vibrant Jewish community dominated this industry, elevating Antwerp to its status as an epic center of the world diamond trade. With the birth of a new market for diamond jewelry, there was finally a place, where discerning customers could source the sought-after stones. Today, about 1.500 diamond firms are headquartered in Antwerp, which is by far the largest concentration in the industry. South African, Australian, Russian, and Canadian mines directly ship diamonds to Antwerp.
85% of the world’s rough diamonds, 50% of the polished diamonds, and 40% of industrial diamonds are passing through the diamond district — highlighting its status as the diamond capital of the world. The Antwerp Diamond District or Diamond Quarter, which is an area of about one square mile, is the largest diamond center in the world with a turnover of $54 billion a year. The district has 380 workshops that provide 1.500 companies with gem cutting and polishing services. Antwerp’s diamond district consists of several square blocks directly adjacent to the Central Station (Antwerp Centraal) and is a few minutes’ walk to Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. That part of the town still preserves the traditions and spirit of the original merchants and diamond dealers, who established the diamond industry in the 1890s after coming with their families from Amsterdam.
Often, the search for a customer’s perfect diamond could last several hours, traveling from office to office. During these visits, the seller showcases unique diamonds that can be incorporated into exquisite pieces for weddings, anniversaries, engagements, and family heirlooms. The shopping experience at any of Antwerp’s diamond markets is made all the more special by knowing each diamond is handpicked especially for the client. This is a unique process with stunning diamonds selected among thousands to accommodate any request. This is an opportunity given to us only because of our membership in the country's largest buying group for independent jewelry retailers. Other local stores cannot access these diamond markets, nor can the general public. Ask us what we can do for you, and we'll be happy to accommodate you!
Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world for several centuries, a title that hasn’t been easily earned. The diamond trade in the port started nearly 500 years ago when the first rough stones were brought over from India. Gradually, local diamond traders rose to prominence with their attention to detail and exuberant selection until even the King of France, François I, started ordering his diamonds from the master cutters in Antwerp rather than in Paris.
Established in 1973, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is one of the world’s most renowned private companies that officially represents and coordinates the Antwerp diamond sector. Located in heart of Antwerp in the Hoveniersstraat, it directs the import and export of diamonds in and out of Antwerp. Antwerp is home to all major diamond mining companies, which source diamonds for thousands of diamond dealers across the globe. After the end of the Second World War, the vibrant Jewish community dominated this industry, elevating Antwerp to its status as an epic center of the world diamond trade. With the birth of a new market for diamond jewelry, there was finally a place, where discerning customers could source the sought-after stones. Today, about 1.500 diamond firms are headquartered in Antwerp, which is by far the largest concentration in the industry. South African, Australian, Russian, and Canadian mines directly ship diamonds to Antwerp.
85% of the world’s rough diamonds, 50% of the polished diamonds, and 40% of industrial diamonds are passing through the diamond district — highlighting its status as the diamond capital of the world. The Antwerp Diamond District or Diamond Quarter, which is an area of about one square mile, is the largest diamond center in the world with a turnover of $54 billion a year. The district has 380 workshops that provide 1.500 companies with gem cutting and polishing services. Antwerp’s diamond district consists of several square blocks directly adjacent to the Central Station (Antwerp Centraal) and is a few minutes’ walk to Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. That part of the town still preserves the traditions and spirit of the original merchants and diamond dealers, who established the diamond industry in the 1890s after coming with their families from Amsterdam.
Often, the search for a customer’s perfect diamond could last several hours, traveling from office to office. During these visits, the seller showcases unique diamonds that can be incorporated into exquisite pieces for weddings, anniversaries, engagements, and family heirlooms. The shopping experience at any of Antwerp’s diamond markets is made all the more special by knowing each diamond is handpicked especially for the client. This is a unique process with stunning diamonds selected among thousands to accommodate any request. This is an opportunity given to us only because of our membership in the country's largest buying group for independent jewelry retailers. Other local stores cannot access these diamond markets, nor can the general public. Ask us what we can do for you, and we'll be happy to accommodate you!