The diamond industry

We are standing on the edge of the Diamond Quarter, where the sparkle of thousands of rough and polished stones is still tangible. Antwerp earned its nickname “Diamond City” in the 15th century, when the first rough diamonds from India arrived through its port. With the invention of the scaif by Lodewyk van Bercken, a revolutionary polishing tool that enhanced a stone’s brilliance, Antwerp quickly became a world leader in diamond cutting.

In the centuries that followed, the diamond industry flourished. Thanks to its strategic location on the Scheldt, with access to the North Sea, Antwerp became Europe’s gateway. Diamantaires flocked to what is now known as the Square Mile. After World War II, the sector experienced a revival, supported by the Jewish community, which played a crucial role in trade and craftsmanship.

Today, around 85% of the world’s rough diamonds still pass through Antwerp. About half of all polished stones are handled here by skilled artisans. More than 380 workshops, 1,500 companies, and thousands of craftsmen continue the centuries-old tradition.