The Antwerp Diamond Industry
With a history of more than 580 years, the Antwerp Diamond Industry is a cornerstone of the global diamond trade. Founded in 1447, Antwerp has earned a reputation as the world's most trusted diamond center, renowned for its unwavering commitment to compliance and transparency.
Today, Antwerp is home to 1,470 diamond companies, employing approximately 3,300 people, making it an industry of great economic importance for Belgium. Antwerp plays a pivotal role in the global diamond trade as the gateway for diamonds entering or leaving Europe. Whether rough or polished, every diamond passes through the Diamond Office—the only customs office in Belgium authorized to process diamond imports and exports. In 2024, more than 75,000 diamond shipments passed through Antwerp for a total volume of 225.672.171 carats.
Strategically located near Antwerp’s iconic Central Station, the city’s highly secured Diamond Square Mile is the beating heart of the trade. Antwerp also holds the distinction of hosting the most diamond trading bourses in the world, with four out of the 29 existing bourses globally located in the city.
This combination of rich heritage, economic contribution, unparalleled expertise, and a strong reputation for compliance has solidified Antwerp’s status as a world-leading diamond center.
Antwerp: from Run of Mine to Polished Gems
Antwerp is a unique diamond hub where nearly every step of the diamond supply chain takes place, with the exception of mining. From the moment rough diamonds leave the mines, Antwerp plays a pivotal role in their journey to becoming exquisite gemstones.
- Trading of Rough Diamonds
Antwerp is a global center for the trade of rough diamonds: a vibrant ecosystem of 1,470 diamond companies are forming all together a critical mass of buyers and sellers. Here, diamonds are bought and sold by some of the most prominent companies in the industry.
- Sorting and Valuating
Antwerp is renowned for its unmatched expertise in sorting and valuating diamonds, especially those that arrive straight from the mines as "Run of Mine." These diamonds are carefully analyzed, sorted, and prepared for the market—a specialized skill in which Antwerp excels.
- Polishing
While the majority of diamonds are polished in India, Antwerp is the go-to destination for polishing high-value rough diamonds. The city's artisans are known for their precision and craftsmanship, producing exceptional stones destined for high-end jewelry.
- Certification
Antwerp is also a key player in certifying polished diamonds, ensuring their quality and authenticity before they are traded or sold.
- Trading of Polished Diamonds
The journey of diamonds often comes full circle in Antwerp, where polished stones are traded among the critical mass of buyers and sellers present in the city and many jewellers near by.
One thing is clear: when it comes to diamonds, Antwerp is not just a stop on the supply chain—it’s the beating heart of the industry, where expertise, tradition, and innovation come together.
The Most Trusted Diamond Trading Center in the World
Antwerp is renowned as one of the most trusted diamond centers in the world, thanks to its unwavering commitment to compliance and transparency—often referred to as the "fifth C" alongside carat, color, cut, and clarity.
In Antwerp, strict regulatory frameworks, effective supervision, and progressive EU legislation ensure the highest standards of integrity. Only officially approved companies can operate as diamond businesses, and all diamonds pass through the Diamond Office—a unique, dedicated customs facility—where independent experts verify their conflict-free and ethical origins through Kimberley Process certification.
Additionally, Antwerp’s diamond companies adhere to rigorous European anti-money laundering (AML) legislation, conducting thorough customer screenings, risk assessments, and annual reporting. Companies compliance officers undergo regular training to stay aligned with evolving regulations.
This commitment to transparency and ethical standards is why global luxury jewelry brands, diamond traders, manufacturers, service providers, mining companies, and jewelers consistently choose Antwerp as their preferred location to polish, buy, or trade diamonds. Antwerp’s trusted reputation makes it the cornerstone of the international diamond industry.
