Diamon Buying in Antwerp - Any Advice?

[Mrs PB]

Greetings. I'm getting married in November and having an art deco ring made to our own design. We are going to Antwerp in a couple of weeks and I've been contacting jewellers to as if I need to make an appointment. The only response I've had is from a jeweller who claimed there was only four marquise stones to be had (of the size I want) in the whole of the city. Err, I don't think so. I'm looking for a 0.60 (approx) stone, VS1 to VS2, F colour. Has anyone got any recommendations as to whom I might contact. I know I could buy online, but my fiance really wants to go and choose a stone together. Guidance would be really appreciated....promise to post some pics of the finished article!

 

[Austina]

Check online prices before you go so you have a comparison. Blue Nile have several in the range you're looking at. A few years ago, I was on a river cruise and met a very nice lady who wanted to buy a diamond ring in Amsterdam. Long story short, she ended up paying way over the odds for a very mediocre diamond.

 

[Acinom]

Diamond House is a reputable dealer in Antwerp. Contact Celine or Robert to see what they can do for you. They are very trustworthy. It never hurts to check diamond prices online prior to visiting Antwerp.

 

[MollyMalone]

For your convenience, here are the links to Rob van Beurden's 2 web sites:
http://www.diamondhouse.be
http://www.fortrez.com

I just did a search & it looks as if no other Antwerp retailer has been recommended here on PS in the past 10 years.

* * * The only response I've had is from a jeweller who claimed there was only four marquise stones to be had (of the size I want) in the whole of the city. Err, I don't think so. I'm looking for a 0.60 (approx) stone, VS1 to VS2, F colour. Has anyone got any recommendations as to whom I might contact. * * *

A couple of years ago, Fortrez-Diamond House had a fairly decent selection of them listed in their online databases. None today; it's not even a shape option you can select when doing a search on either site. So I'm hoping he can bring in some marquises for you to view. Have fun, good luck!

 

[Mrs PB]

For your convenience, here are the links to Rob van Beurden's 2 web sites:
http://www.diamondhouse.be
http://www.fortrez.com

I just did a search & it looks as if no other Antwerp retailer has been recommended here on PS in the past 10 years.

A couple of years ago, Fortrez-Diamond House had a fairly decent selection of them listed in their online databases. None today; it's not even a shape option you can select when doing a search on either site. So I'm hoping he can bring in some marquises for you to view. Have fun, good luck!

Thank you so much! I was in email contact with Rob and his wife Celine yesterday afternoon and they have found three lovely diamonds for me to view later this month. I did a price comparison with Blue Nile and James Allen and I'm very happy with the price. I am absolutely delighted and they were both gave useful advice about buying diamonds in Antwerp - definitely a bit of a minefield unless you are armed with some knowledge. I would not have found Diamond House or Rob had it not been for this community forum. I'm off to the jewellers this afternoon with my outline design.

 

[dk168]

Another thump up for Rob and Diamond House, very helpful and non-pushy.

DK

 

[John P]

Congrats on the upcoming marriage Mrs PB.

I am absolutely delighted and they were both gave useful advice about buying diamonds in Antwerp - definitely a bit of a minefield unless you are armed with some knowledge.

Very true. If you're arriving into Antwerpen-Centraal station you will pass through the thick of that minefield on Pelikaanstraat. Those stores are beautifully positioned to attract tourists coming out of the station, but they're like sparkly frosting - not the actual diamond cake of Antwerp.

The commercial diamond district is worth a walk-though while you're there. You'll find it accessible via Rijfstraat; just three connected streets which look plain at a glance -aside from the regular presence of soldiers- but most of the world's rough diamonds get traded behind those doors. You will see where the famous diamond bourses and synagogue are. There are even some jewelry supply stores which are accessible to the public, in case you develop a sudden loupe craving

Old photo of Schupstraat entrance here (opposite from Rijfstraat): Belgium - Antwerp or surrounds?