Some history
Already since the 16th century, the city of Antwerp is a world centre for the diamond trade. Excellent road connections with Germany and the Netherlands, the widening of the river Scheldt and an open political climate convinced traders and travelers to establish themselves in Antwerp.

However, in the end of the 16th, Antwerp got occupied by the Spanish who closed the river Scheldt for navigation. Thus Amsterdam became a centre of trade for more than two centuries. Only in the 19th century, thanks to the discovery of South African diamond mines and the flood of diamonds that followed, Antwerp again came to life as a centre of diamond trade. In no time a large number of polishing and cutting factories were established. Soon, leading diamond bourses were founded as well.



Some figures
Today, the Antwerp diamond sector realises a yearly turnover of almost 30 billion US dollar per year. This amounts to 8% of Belgium’s total export figures. Nowadays, 80 percent of all rough diamonds in the world are handled in Antwerp, while 50 percent of all cut diamonds pass through Antwerp. It is no surprise that the highest international mark of approval for polished diamonds is the ‘Cut in Antwerp’ label. In the diamond business, Antwerp plays a role that is similar to that of New York in international banking and finance. For, what New York is to the money markets, Antwerp is to the global diamond trade.

Headquarter for about 1,500 diamond firms
Antwerp is the diamond industry’s primary business centre, serving as the headquarters for about 1,500 diamond firms, which is the largest concentration of companies in the industry. They include rough diamond producers, rough dealers, manufacturers, and polished diamond wholesalers. Indeed, even when serious players in the industry are not based in Antwerp, almost invariably they are represented in the city.

Setting the standard
Antwerp has always played an exemplary role in trading diamonds, setting the standard for the level of skill, quality and confidence that not only people in the industry, but also customers have come to expect. As a matter of fact, most other diamond bourses have based their structure on the Antwerp bourses, meaning that most stones that arrive in Antwerp from abroad adhere to our strict standards.

More information?
Website HRD Antwerp 
Website Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC)