Antwerp has been the largest and most dependable diamond centre in the world for more than five centuries. The city has been known as the diamond capital of the world since its Golden Age. People from across the world travel to our diamond district to purchase the most consistently high-quality stones – from jewellery buyers to lovers choosing that very special ring. The diamond story in Antwerp is not just one of business, it’s a story of craftsmanship, technology, traditions and creativity. Experience Antwerp’s diamond heritage for yourself when you book a stay in PREMIER SUITES Antwerp a short walk from the Diamond Mile. Our best available rates are exclusively available on our website.
DIVA – Antwerp Home of Diamonds
DIVA is one of the world’s only museums focusing on the world of diamonds, jewellery and goldsmithing. Located in the historical heart of Antwerp, in a neighbourhood that goldsmiths, jewellery and diamond dealers have called home since the sixteenth century. Diva is an immersive, interactive experience for diamond lovers. Enjoy fictional audio plays and displays across six themes, Diva’s Wunderkammer, craftsmanship, trade, consumption and a real vault and jewellery boudoir where DIVA showcases her most precious treasures. Enjoy staging, soundscapes, multimedia, and interactive elements which engage visitors and educate them on this prestigious trade.
Walking Tours
You’ll have learned all about the trade, but do you know where it all began? The neighbourhood around Suikerrui has always been synonymous with goldsmiths and jewellers and where they lived and worked for more than 500 years. The Diamond and Jewellery Tour will take you through the historic streets in search of Antwerp’s roots as the world’s diamond city. The Diamond & Jewellery Tour will let you in on stories from the 16th-21st centuries and discover the grandeur of our beautiful city. You’ll also visit some of the best contemporary jewellers where you might find a treasure that catches your eye. The tour starts at the magnificent Steen Castle daily from 10am-6pm
Diamond District Tour is best for those who want to know more about the history of the industry. Starting at the Diamond Square Mile – the home of diamond workers, jewellers, and diamond merchants, a friendly, knowledgeable guide will take you through the heyday, downfall and resurrection of Antwerp’s diamond industry in the 19th century. You’ll learn why Antwerp became the home of the diamond, its near-collapse, and its comeback in the nineteenth century.
‘Antwerp Loves Diamonds’ is a self-guided tour that will take you on a tour of Antwerp’s diamond history. You can pick up a map from any of the tourist information centres or download it from the website. It also gives tips and information about the city and buying jewellery here. You’ll find markers at more unusual spots such as the diamond bourse and the Sephardi synagogue, where you can visit a showroom and watch a diamond cutter polishing diamonds. The map also lists the twelve jewellers who were awarded the “Antwerp’s Most Brilliant” quality label.
Antwerp’s Most Brilliant
If you are looking for something different and unique, you will find it in Antwerp. Antwerp’s Most Brilliant is a quality certificate of the City of Antwerp and the World Diamond Centre and is exclusively awarded to jewellers who meet the rigorous quality requirements and continuous assessment. When you see this label, you know you can purchase diamonds with confidence and security of quality. If you’re not in the market, you can still learn so much about the processes and certification of Antwerp diamonds in the Home of Diamonds or by enjoying a walking tour.
Buying a Real Antwerp Diamond
There are over 1600 diamond companies active in Antwerp and a volume of diamonds worth $ 220 million pass through the city every day; so how do you know where to buy your stones?
• Avoid Conflict Diamonds. Until 2003, around 15% of the global diamond trade consisted of conflict diamonds, commonly referred to as blood diamonds. United Nations then constructed the Kimberley procedure after which time diamonds must be accompanied by certificates to guarantee their purity. This has reduced the number of conflict diamonds to a mere 0.2%.
• The quality and value of a cut diamond are determined by the four C’s; Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. In Antwerp, the diamond sector has added another fifth C, Compliance. A high score in all of these guarantees a fine quality diamond.
• ‘Antwerp’s Most Brilliant’ quality label is a guaranteed way to ensure the quality of your diamond. If you have purchased a stone without a label, you can have it checked for authenticity and quality quickly and free of charge. The city has appointed jeweller Orsini Diamonds as ‘Checkpoint Diamond’.
Experience Antwerp’s diamond history & heritage for yourself this year. Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Antwerp to enjoy the city like a local.
