Antwerp Prepares for Diamond Trade Fair
October 3rd, 2013 by Noam Flint
Some of the most valuable and beautiful white and color diamonds go on display at trade fairs so industry experts can get a good look at them. These gatherings take place all over the world, but one of the most impressive takes place in Antwerp, Belgium. The city, which is the home of the largest diamond center in the world, is planning to host the fifth annual Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair (ADTF) from Jan. 26 to 28.
Antwerp prepares for Diamond Trade Fair
What to expect at the ADTF
All of the action is set to take place at a number of facilities around Antwerp, including the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, the Diamond Club of Antwerp and Antwerp Diamond Kring. Kring represents a new addition to the event, but as the world’s only rough diamond bourse, it provides some welcome diversity to the festivities. These halls are all located on the Hoveniersstraat, which is the main thoroughfare of the city’s diamond district, Diamond World News reported.
“With 80 booked exhibitors and a waiting list of companies, we needed more space, and the Kring providing the logical solution,” said Jacky Korn, a member of the ADTF Organizing Committee. “We are currently in the process of redesigning the floor plans in order to improve the flow of traffic and enhance both the exhibitors’ and buyers’ experience. … This will be the largest and most exciting ADTF ever held.”
More options than ever before
The fifth year of this diamond trade fair promises to be the most impressive yet. In addition to the expanding number of diamond providers that will be on hand, the city is also set to welcome collections from one of the largest jewelry creators from the Middle East, China, the U.S. and more.
Another reason the upcoming fair will be one of the biggest yet is due to a change in the country’s sanctions. According to AFP, the European Union has lifted sanctions against the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, which controls one of the largest diamond fields in the world. The change will allow the organization to export its diamonds to Antwerp and display some of the most impressive gems at the trade fair.
Experts and visitors who attend the ADTF can expect to see some stunning white and colored diamond stones and jewelry options when the three-day event opens.
