In our last blog, we introduced Antwerp as the diamond capital of the world and expressed its importance to the jewelry industry. Today, we’re going over what makes Antwerp diamonds so special to us, and why we travel to Belgium every year to hand pick them for our valued customers.
1. Historical Significance
Antwerp has been a major center for diamonds since the 15th century. It became a central hub for cutting, polishing, and trading diamonds globally, due to its strategic location and access to international markets.
2. Global Market Share
Around 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp at some point. It handles a significant portion of both the rough and polished diamond trade, making it one of the most important cities for diamond commerce.
3. Expert Craftsmanship
Antwerp is known for its highly skilled diamond cutters and polishers. The city’s artisans are renowned for their precision and expertise, often working on the most valuable and complex diamonds.
4. Diamonds as an Economic Pillar
The diamond industry plays a crucial role in Antwerp’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and economic security to the city. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the city's governing body for diamond trade, oversees and promotes the industry, further strengthening its economic impact.
5. Transparency and Regulation
Antwerp is at the forefront of ethical diamond trading practices. The city is a major supporter of the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme that prevents "conflict diamonds" from entering the mainstream market.
6. Innovation and Technology
Antwerp is home to cutting-edge technology in diamond grading and processing. The industry invests heavily in advanced techniques for polishing and evaluating diamonds, which keeps the city competitive and ensures that diamonds processed there are of the highest standard.
7. Trust and Reputation
Antwerp has built a reputation for trust in the diamond trade. Buyers and sellers from around the world come to Antwerp because they know they can rely on the city’s expertise, legal framework, and extensive knowledge of the diamond market.
You can expect Antwerp quality, reputation and craftmanship at Ware’s.
Bob and Cheryl could not be more excited to be traveling to Antwerp in just 22 days! Feel free to stop by the store or schedule and appointment to learn more!
1. Historical Significance
Antwerp has been a major center for diamonds since the 15th century. It became a central hub for cutting, polishing, and trading diamonds globally, due to its strategic location and access to international markets.
2. Global Market Share
Around 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp at some point. It handles a significant portion of both the rough and polished diamond trade, making it one of the most important cities for diamond commerce.
3. Expert Craftsmanship
Antwerp is known for its highly skilled diamond cutters and polishers. The city’s artisans are renowned for their precision and expertise, often working on the most valuable and complex diamonds.
4. Diamonds as an Economic Pillar
The diamond industry plays a crucial role in Antwerp’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and economic security to the city. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the city's governing body for diamond trade, oversees and promotes the industry, further strengthening its economic impact.
5. Transparency and Regulation
Antwerp is at the forefront of ethical diamond trading practices. The city is a major supporter of the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme that prevents "conflict diamonds" from entering the mainstream market.
6. Innovation and Technology
Antwerp is home to cutting-edge technology in diamond grading and processing. The industry invests heavily in advanced techniques for polishing and evaluating diamonds, which keeps the city competitive and ensures that diamonds processed there are of the highest standard.
7. Trust and Reputation
Antwerp has built a reputation for trust in the diamond trade. Buyers and sellers from around the world come to Antwerp because they know they can rely on the city’s expertise, legal framework, and extensive knowledge of the diamond market.
You can expect Antwerp quality, reputation and craftmanship at Ware’s.
Bob and Cheryl could not be more excited to be traveling to Antwerp in just 22 days! Feel free to stop by the store or schedule and appointment to learn more!