Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair Opens

The trade show, which brings hundreds of exclusively invited international jewelry manufacturers, retailers and designers to view the diamonds off from scores of Antwerp diamond manufacturers and traders, is taking place for the first time in the trading halls of three diamond exchanges due to the strength of demand.

The approximately 90 Antwerp diamond firms are exhibiting in the trading halls of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, the Diamond Club of Antwerp and the Antwerp Diamond Kring.  

"This is the fourth year that we are exhibiting," said an executive with an Antwerp diamond firm. "This event is different from the other shows we do around the world. The atmosphere is very different. It is very relaxed and intimate and creates a special mood for doing business."

Meanwhile, another diamond manufacturer said that the show was not one where transactions were necessarily done on the spot. "You won't see people buying and selling over the counter. This is more a show where contacts are made and then further developed afterwards. Potential clients don't always know what is on offer here even though Antwerp is well known for the wide quality and selection of polished goods it offers, so this really opens their eyes."

Two breakfast seminars are scheduled during the fair, with Chicago diamond marketing expert Aleah Arundale-Siegel presenting on marketing diamonds and diamond jewelry to retailers on January 27.

And on January 28, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President Ernest Blom will make a presentation on the World Diamond Mark initiative which aims to create and implement a global, generic diamond marketing and promotion campaign.

The Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair is sponsored by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).