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Buying diamonds in Antwerp: What you need to know
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or treating yourself to something special, diamonds are a big and exciting purchase.
And where better to buy them than Antwerp, Belgium, the diamond capital of the world? You'll get access to an incredible selection and have a reason to visit one of Europe's most charming cities.
But buying diamonds abroad comes with a set of challenges, too. You'll need to navigate unfamiliar dealers and figure out customs and import duties when bringing your diamonds back to the US.
This guide walks you through everything Americans need to know about buying diamonds in Antwerp, including the best way to pay for your purchase to avoid currency exchange rate markups.
We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.
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Why is Antwerp famous for diamonds?
Antwerp has been the center of the global diamond trade since the 16th century. The city's diamond industry started with skilled artisans who fled persecution in Portugal and Spain, bringing their diamond-cutting expertise with them.
Over the centuries, Antwerp became known as the best place to buy both diamond jewelry and loose diamonds, and this still holds today.
Approximately 80% of the world’s diamonds are cut, polished, and traded in Antwerp, and there are hundreds of dealers in one compact area, specifically the streets called Hoveniersstraat.¹
People from all over the world come to the Antwerp diamond district to buy fine jewelry or trade with reputable dealers, and you'll likely see better prices and quality than what you'd find at retail stores back home.
How much are diamonds in Antwerp?
Diamond prices are layered. They depend on the four Cs: carat (weight), cut (how well it's shaped), color (how colorless it is), and clarity (how free it is from flaws).
Beyond these basics, other factors affect the price too:
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Certification: Diamonds certified by reputable labs like GIA or HRD come with higher prices because the grading is trusted
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Fluorescence: Diamonds that glow under UV light typically cost less, even if the effect isn't visible in normal lighting
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Shape: Round, brilliant cuts are the most expensive, and shapes like oval or pear cost less for the same quality
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Origin: Lab-grown diamonds cost much less than natural diamonds, even with the same characteristics
Here's what you can expect to pay in Antwerp for natural diamonds of different qualities:
| Diamond size | Diamonds in Antwerp price |
|---|---|
| 0.5 carat | 500 EUR to 2,500 EUR² |
| 1 carat | 1,700 EUR to 12,000 EUR³ |
| 1.5 carat | 3,500 EUR to 6,000 EUR⁴ |
| 2 carat | 12,000 EUR to 35,000 EUR⁵ |
| 3 carat | 30,000 EUR to 50,000 EUR⁶ |
| 4 carat | 60,000 EUR to 100,000 EUR⁷ |
| 5 carat | 120,000 EUR to 200,000 EUR⁸ |
The price ranges are wide because a 1-carat diamond with poor clarity and color costs far less than a flawless, colorless 1-carat stone. Two diamonds can have the same carat weight but very different prices based on their other characteristics.
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Are diamonds cheaper in Antwerp?
Diamonds in Antwerp aren't necessarily much cheaper, but they have the best price-quality ratio. This means you get a higher diamond quality for your money, with a better cut, clarity, or size compared to what the same budget would buy at a retail jeweler in the US.
You're also buying directly from dealers who work with cutters and traders, so you skip the markup that jewelry stores add to cover their overhead and profit margins.
That said, be careful. The diamond district attracts scammers who target tourists, especially Americans with money to spend. It's important to stick to reputable dealers with proper certifications, even if someone else tries to offer you a "special deal."
Where to buy diamonds in Antwerp
The Antwerp diamond district is a small area near the central train station. You'll find hundreds of diamond dealers, wholesalers, and retail shops packed into just a few blocks. Many shops are open to tourists and walk-ins, but some only work with trade professionals.
Many reputable dealers speak English and are used to working with American buyers. However, avoid making purchases from shops that aggressively recruit customers off the street. Legitimate dealers and businesses don't need to do that.
How to buy diamonds in Antwerp
1. Research diamond qualities
In the diamond quarter, you'll find stones with all kinds of different characteristics, and it's important to know what you're looking for. For example, you may want a flawless stone and will prioritize the diamond's clarity over size.
It's often helpful to watch videos or tutorials that show different diamond qualities side by side so you know what to expect.
You should also familiarize yourself with certification standards, especially GIA and HRD certificates, which are the most trusted in the industry.
2. Set your budget
Decide how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping, because the prices can be as low as 500 EUR and as high as 200,000+ EUR for a single stone. When you have a budget, dealers can show you appropriate options right away.
3. Book appointments
You can email or call a few dealers before your trip to Antwerp, explain what you're looking for, and ask if they can prepare some options for you to view.
While many shops allow walk-ins, scheduling appointments in advance gives you a plan and a chance to see different options in a structured way.
4. Look at diamonds in person
When you view diamonds, ask to see them under different lighting conditions and use a jeweler's loupe to examine them closely. The dealer should show you the diamond's certificate and walk you through its specifications.
You don't have to decide if you want to buy right away, and it's a good idea to shop around and take notes on the different stones you see.
5. Verify certification and documentation
Make sure any diamond you're seriously considering comes with a certificate from GIA, HRD, or another reputable gemological lab. The certificate number should match the diamond. Some diamonds even have the number laser-inscribed on the girdle (the edge).
6. Negotiate the price
Prices in Antwerp aren't always fixed, so it doesn't hurt to politely ask if there's any flexibility on the price. The worst thing that can happen is that the dealer says no. You may also have more room to negotiate if you're buying multiple stones.
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Importing diamonds back to the US
When you return to the US with Antwerp diamonds, you need to declare them to US Customs and Border Protection, even if they're just for personal use. Here's how it works:
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Declare your purchase: Fill out the customs declaration form on your flight and list the diamonds with their value in USD, keeping your receipt and certificate in your carry-on luggage
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Pay duty if required: Loose diamonds are duty-free, but if your diamond is already set in jewelry, you'll pay a variable duty rate depending on the metal and setting⁹
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Comply with Kimberley Process requirements: Rough (uncut) diamonds need a Kimberley Process certificate to prove they're not conflict diamonds⁹
Make sure to save your purchase receipt, diamond certificate, proof of payment, and customs declaration forms. You may need this documentation later, especially for insurance or if you decide to resell your diamond in the future.
Buying diamonds in Antwerp: FAQs
Are Antwerp diamonds real?
Yes, the Antwerp diamond district is home to one of the world's most regulated and respected diamond markets. You can buy certified diamond jewelry as well as loose stones with authentication from recognized gemological labs like GIA or HRD. There are many reputable dealers.
That said, like any major market, Antwerp has its share of scammers who target tourists. Watch out for dealers who try to hustle on the streets, offer "special deals," or can't show full documentation proving their diamonds' authenticity, origin, and quality characteristics.
What is the best way to shop in the diamond district?
The single most important thing you can do is do your research and understand all of the different diamond characteristics before you arrive. There's a wide range of prices and stones available in the diamond district, so you should have a solid idea of what you're looking for.
When you visit, take your time comparing stones across multiple dealers and don't feel pressured to buy on the spot. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and examine diamonds under different lighting.
Can you negotiate on Antwerp diamonds?
Yes, you can negotiate when buying diamonds in Antwerp. Just make sure that you're doing it politely. Many dealers expect some back-and-forth on pricing, so it doesn't hurt to ask if the price is flexible.
If you're buying multiple stones or looking to make a high-value purchase, you also have more leverage to negotiate.
When buying diamonds in Antwerp, one thing that many people overlook is currency exchange rate markups and transfer fees, depending on how you pay.
A diamond is a big purchase, so unfavorable exchange rates or high bank fees can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
It'll pay off to investigate different payment options, such as Wise, before you buy your Antwerp diamonds.
With Wise, you can send secure and trackable large amount transfers to 140+ countries worldwide with transparent fees and the fair mid-market exchange rate.
Have a look at the main benefits for using Wise to send large transfers:
- Dedicated support for large transfers
- Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork
- Upfront, transparent fees
- Fully trackable transfers
- Fast transfer times
- Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications
Sources
- Nelson Coleman Jewelers - Buying Diamonds in Antwerp
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 0.5 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 1 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 1.5 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct) - 2 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 3 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 4 Carat Diamond
- Antwerp Diamonds Direct - 5 Carat Diamond
- USA Customs Clearance - The Complete Guide to Importing Diamonds
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
