Editor’s Note
As Antwerp responds to shifting global demand, this weekend’s Jewelry Days offers a rare public glimpse into the historic diamond trade and the craft behind it.
As global demand for diamonds slumps, the city of Antwerp is stepping up with initiatives to highlight its gems. After an international diamond conference earlier this week, the city will be the scene of Jewelry Days this weekend.
The event will take place in the historic Antwerp Diamond Bourse, built in 1904, which is rarely open to the public. During Jewelry Days, “the basics of gemology and jewellery design will be revealed”.
Visitors can take part in workshops, watch diamond cutting demonstrations and visit information stands with tips on jewellery and the world of diamonds. Various schools will also be present, including Sint-Lucas Antwerp and the Royal Academy of Jewellery Design.
At an international diamond conference earlier this week, the industry considered jointly funding a 200 million-dollar international advertising campaign.
The Antwerp’s Most Brilliant quality label is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Jewellers in Antwerp who meet certain selection criteria are awarded this label by the city of Antwerp and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. It guarantees quality, reliability and durability.
Almost a year ago, the G7 agreed to impose a ban on Russian diamonds. Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo soon began marketing Antwerp as a hub for testing and certifying diamonds from around the world. Despite these efforts, the diamond trade in Belgium is posting “catastrophic” figures, the National Bank of Belgium warned earlier this month.