Antwerp's Diamond District goes by several names: Antwerp Diamond District, Antwerp Diamond Center (though this can be confused with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre), and its local name, Diamantkwartier.
Located in Belgium, 84% of the world's rough diamonds are processed here. It is the largest diamond district in the world, making it worthy of our attention, even though Tel Aviv is now rising in prominence.
However, as a diamond trading hub, brokers, traders, and cutters are ubiquitous, leading to a high concentration of dealers. Buying diamond jewelry here feels like experiencing the pinnacle of romance, filled with the charm of old Europe. However, one needs to be cautious.
Every jeweler in the world sells diamonds from the same source. Unlike other retail goods, comparing diamond prices from different retailers should be straightforward. While the reality is slightly more complex, it does mean that diamonds sold in Antwerp compete directly with those sold online.
Thus, retailers have little room to recover the overhead of operating in one of the world's most expensive cities. The low margins lead retailers to employ every possible trick to increase markups. Let's look at these tricks in detail.
Tricks of the Trade in Antwerp
Transparent Pricing:
A few retailers understand the current diamond market and sell diamonds at high prices, making it clear that you are paying for the "Antwerp experience." Thus, the value of the diamond is the same as anywhere else in the world, but you are paying for the service and experience of buying an Antwerp diamond. While this might seem foolish to some, it has its appeal. After all, we pay for other tourist experiences, so why not this one?
Treated Diamonds:
This might be the most common trick in Antwerp. Considering the area's history, it's shocking. However, the reality is that most diamonds here carry a diamond price tag but are not natural diamonds. Typically, their cracks are filled with a special silicone formula, or black inclusions are removed using special laser drilling. These diamonds have no resale value, so avoid them at all costs!
Inexperienced Tourists:
This is the next big scam. Retailers here know that tourism is where they make their money. Vacationers are easily charmed by the area's unique feel and historical allure. However, this often means we are less informed than when buying at home: retailers know and exploit this. Therefore, inclusions (flaws), cut differences, etc., are more easily downplayed by retailers. Make sure you read up beforehand – not just about diamonds but also about potential reputable retailers. Remember, if you are a tourist, retailers know you are unlikely to a) return, or b) become a repeat customer anyway.
Lack of Documentation:
I cannot stress enough – make sure you can see an authoritative report for every diamond you consider, and check if the report is genuine. If a diamond is worth considering, you should be able to view an AGS or GIA report. Ideally, choose a retailer with GIA-trained staff (if necessary). If you cannot see a GIA or AGS report, turn around and leave. If the retailer is unwilling to share documents or seems evasive or aggressive when sharing, they are likely trying to deceive you. You can choose to walk away.
Poor Service:
I consider this a scam because when you buy diamond jewelry in-store, you are paying for the service (in addition to the relatively fixed value of the diamond). So, if you get poor service, you are being scammed – that's what you are paying for. You can get much better service online without the additional cost. Perhaps look at options from Whiteflash or Blue Nile. If you still decide to shop in Antwerp's jewelry district, ask about services like resizing or engraving, and of course, returns. Don't forget, due to old Jewish connections, many shops here are closed on weekends, especially Saturdays.
Aggressive Tactics:
Perhaps one of the worst tricks is retailers trying to convince you that other retailers are untrustworthy and that you should trust them alone. You are not bound to anyone; you can shop around as you please. But these retailers often have the most aggressive salespeople.
As you can see, I'm not keen on buying diamonds and diamond jewelry in Antwerp. Undoubtedly, there are honest and excellent retailers, but they get lost in the potential scams. No one wants to be scammed, especially on an expensive and emotional purchase.
Conclusion
So, overseas diamonds are not a utopia; they are filled with the tumult of human nature. However, ensuring our own industry standards is the foundation for facing commercial battles abroad. Visit the International Association of Intelligent Diamonds website for more information: www.aidi.org.