The Antwerp diamond district is the undisputed centre of the global diamond trade. Covering just one square kilometre near Antwerp's Central Station, this small but powerful neighbourhood handles approximately 84% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of all cut diamonds traded globally.
For over five centuries, Antwerp has been the place where diamonds are bought, sold, cut, polished, and certified. It is home to more than 1,500 diamond companies, four diamond bourses, and the world's leading certification laboratories — including GIA, HRD and IGI.
Whether you are looking to buy a certified loose diamond, planning a visit, or simply curious about the history behind the world's most famous diamond hub — this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the Antwerp Diamond District?
The Antwerp diamond district (also called the diamantwijk or diamond quarter) is a compact neighbourhood where the entire diamond supply chain operates side by side. Within its streets you will find rough diamond traders, cutting and polishing workshops, certification offices, and retail showrooms — all within walking distance of each other.
This concentration of expertise is what makes Antwerp unique. Unlike other diamond centres such as Mumbai, Tel Aviv, or New York, Antwerp brings every stage of the diamond journey together in one place. A rough stone can arrive in the morning, be assessed, traded, sent for cutting, certified by HRD Antwerp, and offered for sale — all without leaving the district.
The district is overseen by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), a public-private partnership that represents the Belgian diamond sector and ensures ethical trade practices through compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Key facts about the Antwerp diamond district:
- Over 1,500 registered diamond companies operate here
- Approximately €48 billion in diamonds traded annually
- Home to four diamond bourses (trading floors)
- Offices of GIA, HRD, and IGI certification institutes
- Monitored by the Diamond Office (Belgian government oversight)
Pro Tip: When buying diamonds in the Antwerp diamond district, always insist on a certificate from GIA, HRD, or IGI. These three institutes are internationally recognised for their strict and independent grading standards. At Diamantwerp, every diamond comes with one of these certificates — guaranteed.
Where Is the Antwerp Diamond District Located?
The Antwerp diamond district is located directly adjacent to Antwerp Central Station, one of Europe's most beautiful railway stations. This location is no coincidence — when the district moved to its current position at the end of the 19th century, the railway was the primary mode of transport for diamond imports and exports.
The district centres around five main streets:
The Pedestrian Heart (car-free)
- Hoveniersstraat — the main artery, home to most diamond exchanges and wholesale dealers
- Rijfstraat — continuation of Hoveniersstraat, lined with workshops and offices
- Schupstraat — connects to the Hoveniersstraat, home to several diamond companies
The Surrounding Streets
- Pelikaanstraat — where the important Beurs voor Diamanthandel (Diamond Trading Floor) is located, and where Diamantwerp has its offices at number 62
- Vestingstraat and Lange Herentalsestraat — retail-focused streets with diamond jewellery shops aimed at visitors and tourists
The area is secured with CCTV cameras, bollards, and private security — a reflection of the enormous value that passes through these streets daily.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting the Antwerp diamond district to buy a diamond, head to the Hoveniersstraat and Pelikaanstraat rather than the tourist-focused shops on the Vestingstraat. The wholesale dealers on these streets offer significantly better value. Better yet, contact Diamantwerp directly — we are based at Pelikaanstraat 62 and offer personal appointments with no obligation.
View the location of the Antwerp diamond district on Google Maps
The History of the Antwerp Diamond District
Antwerp's connection with diamonds stretches back more than 500 years. The city's position as a major trading port made it a natural hub for precious goods, and by the 15th century, diamond cutting had already become an established craft.
The Early Years (1400s–1800s)
Diamond trading in Antwerp originally took place near the Groenplaats in the city centre. As the trade grew, it moved to the Paardenmarkt and later to the Meir — Antwerp's main shopping street. During these centuries, the diamond trade was informal. Dealers met on the streets, in cafés, and at open-air markets. Deals were sealed with a handshake and the Yiddish phrase "mazzel un broche" (luck and blessing) — a tradition that continues to this day.
The Move to Central Station (Late 1800s)
At the end of the 19th century, the diamond trade relocated to its current location near Central Station. The railway connection was essential: diamonds arriving from London, Amsterdam, and the African mines could be quickly distributed. The connection with the Kempen region (northeast of Antwerp) was equally important, as many diamonds were processed in small cutting workshops throughout that area.
Formalisation and Growth (1900s)
By the mid-20th century, the Antwerp diamond trade had grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Millions of dollars in diamonds changed hands daily, making informal street trading impractical and risky. This led to the establishment of:
- Four official diamond bourses — regulated trading floors where deals are conducted
- The Diamond Office — a Belgian government agency that monitors and registers all diamond imports and exports
- Certification laboratories — GIA, HRD, and IGI each established offices in the district
The Modern Diamond District (2000s–Present)
Today, the Antwerp diamond district processes an estimated €48 billion in diamonds each year. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) coordinates the industry, promotes ethical sourcing, and ensures Belgium's position as the world leader in diamond trading.
The district has also embraced technology. Digital trading platforms, blockchain-based diamond tracking, and advanced laser cutting techniques sit alongside centuries-old traditions. Yet the core of the business remains deeply personal — trust, reputation, and expertise are still the foundations of every transaction.
Pro Tip: The phrase "an Antwerp diamond" carries weight worldwide. When you buy a diamond that has been traded and certified in Antwerp, you benefit from the strictest quality controls and the deepest expertise in the industry. Browse our collection of Antwerp-certified diamonds.
Why Does Antwerp Dominate the Global Diamond Trade?
Several factors explain why the Antwerp diamond district has maintained its dominance for over 500 years:
Unmatched Expertise in Diamond Cutting
Antwerp's cutting tradition is among the oldest in the world. The city's diamond cutters are known for their precision and ability to maximise a stone's brilliance. The quality of a diamond's cut is widely considered the most important of the 4 C's, and Antwerp-cut diamonds are regarded as among the finest anywhere.
World-Class Certification
The presence of GIA, HRD, and IGI in the district means diamonds can be independently graded and certified on the spot. This creates transparency and trust — both for professional dealers and private buyers. Learn more about diamond certification and why it matters.
Competitive Pricing
Because so many dealers operate in close proximity, competition is intense. Buyers in Antwerp typically pay significantly less than in retail jewellery stores — often up to 30–75% below high street prices for comparable certified loose diamonds. There is no middleman; you buy directly from the source.
Ethical Standards
Belgium was among the first countries to implement the Kimberley Process, which ensures that diamonds are conflict-free. The AWDC enforces strict compliance, and the Diamond Office monitors all imports and exports. When you buy from a reputable Antwerp dealer, you can be confident your diamond is 100% ethically sourced.
Strategic Location
Antwerp's position in the heart of Western Europe, with excellent rail, road, port, and air connections, makes it an ideal logistics hub. Diamonds from Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia all pass through Antwerp on their way to markets worldwide.
What to See and Do in the Diamond District
A visit to the Antwerp diamond district is a must for anyone interested in diamonds, history, or simply experiencing one of the world's most unique neighbourhoods.
Walk the Hoveniersstraat and Pelikaanstraat
Stroll through the pedestrianised heart of the district and take in the atmosphere. You will see diamond dealers examining stones in their offices, couriers carrying briefcases of precious cargo, and the distinctive security infrastructure that protects this extraordinary neighbourhood.
Visit DIVA — the Diamond Museum
DIVA (Diamond, Jewellery and Silver Museum) is Antwerp's dedicated museum for diamonds and precious objects. Through interactive exhibits, you can learn about the history of diamond cutting, see historic pieces, and understand the science behind a diamond's brilliance. It is one of the best diamond museums in the world.
Take a Guided Tour
The City of Antwerp offers guided tours of the diamond district. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the history, point out important buildings, and explain how the trade works.
Buy a Diamond
Of course, the ultimate diamond district experience is buying a diamond. Whether you are looking for a round brilliant, a princess cut, an elegant oval, or any other diamond shape, Antwerp offers the widest selection and the best prices.
Pro Tip: Buying a loose diamond and having it set separately almost always offers better value than buying a finished ring in a jewellery store. You control the quality of both the stone and the setting. At Diamantwerp, we help you find the perfect certified loose diamond — with personal advice and no obligation. Get in touch.
Buying Diamonds in the Antwerp Diamond District
Always ask for certification. A diamond without a certificate from GIA, HRD, or IGI is a gamble. These certificates provide an independent assessment of the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
Understand the 4 C's before you buy. Educate yourself on what makes a diamond valuable. A well-cut 0.8 carat diamond can look more impressive than a poorly cut 1.0 carat stone — and cost less.
Compare prices. The beauty of the Antwerp diamond district is that you can easily compare offerings from multiple dealers. However, make sure you compare like for like — same certification, same specifications.
Buy loose, set later. Purchasing a certified loose diamond and having it set in a ring or pendant of your choice offers the best value and flexibility.
Work with established dealers. Choose a dealer with proven expertise and transparent business practices. At Diamantwerp, we have been operating from the heart of the Antwerp diamond district since 1987 — with a team of GIA-trained experts and thousands of satisfied customers.
Diamantwerp: Your Partner in the Diamond District
Diamantwerp has been part of the Antwerp diamond district for over 35 years. Based at Pelikaanstraat 62, in the heart of the district, we specialise in certified loose natural diamonds at prices that are significantly below retail.
Every diamond we offer is certified by GIA, HRD, or IGI — the three most respected certification institutes in the world. We work with both private buyers and professional jewellers, offering personal advice and same-day service.
Whether you are buying your first diamond or adding to a collection, we invite you to browse our collection online or visit us in person at our offices in the Antwerp diamond district. No appointment necessary — but if you prefer, you can always call us at +32 (0)479 38 45 38 or email questions@diamantwerp.be.
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Read our guide to understanding the 4 C's of diamonds or explore our guides on individual diamond shapes like the classic round brilliant or the elegant emerald cut.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Antwerp Diamond District
Where exactly is the Antwerp diamond district?
The diamond district is centred around Hoveniersstraat, Schupstraat, Rijfstraat and Pelikaanstraat — just a five-minute walk from Antwerp-Centraal railway station. The area is home to over 1,500 diamond companies, four diamond bourses, and the offices of GIA, HRD Antwerp and IGI. Diamantwerp is located at Pelikaanstraat 62.
Why are diamonds cheaper in Antwerp than in jewellery stores?
Antwerp handles over 80% of the world's rough diamond trade and 50% of polished diamonds — creating unmatched supply chain efficiency. Dealers in the district sell directly from source, cutting out the retail intermediaries that add 100–300% to typical high-street prices. At Diamantwerp, certified loose diamonds are available at up to 75% below traditional retail.
Can anyone visit the Antwerp diamond district?
Yes — the streets of the diamond district are publicly accessible. Diamantwerp welcomes both private buyers and jewellers at our office at Pelikaanstraat 62. We recommend scheduling an appointment so we can prepare diamonds matching your requirements and give you our full attention.
Is it safe to buy diamonds in Antwerp?
Antwerp is one of the most regulated and transparent diamond markets in the world. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) enforces Best Practice Principles covering ethical sourcing, fair labour and financial transparency. Every diamond sold by AWDC members must comply with the Kimberley Process. Independent certification from GIA, HRD Antwerp or IGI provides objective quality verification.
How do I get to the Antwerp diamond district from Brussels?
By train: Brussels-Midi/Zuid to Antwerp-Centraal takes approximately 35 minutes on the Intercity service — the diamond district is a 5-minute walk from the station exit. By car, take the E19 motorway from Brussels towards Antwerp city centre (Stadscentrum). Journey time approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Contact us to plan your visit.
