The Rough Diamond Days that took place recently in the Antwerpsche Diamantkring were once again strongly attended. Some 65 exhibitors traded a significant number of rough diamonds to national and international diamond dealers. This unique trading event has restored the ‘buzz’ of bygone days.

The positive annual figures released early this month demonstrate that Antwerp remains the most important trade center for diamonds. In 2014, 58.8 billion USD worth of diamonds were imported to and exported from Antwerp. Given that 84% of all rough diamonds and 50% of all polished diamonds pass through Antwerp, the city continues to be the ideal place to purchase rough and polished diamonds at the best price/quality ratio.

Still, these are difficult days in the international diamond trade. The prices of rough diamonds are extremely high, while the prices for polished diamonds have not followed, forcing many dealers to have to sell at no profit or even at a loss.

After witnessing the extremely strong turnout at the first Rough Diamond Days at the end of last year, the Kring has now organized a second trade event focusing exclusively on rough diamonds. Organizer and Chairman of the Antwerpsche Diamantkring Freddy Inzlicht: “A wide range of rough diamonds were on offer during this two-day trading event, so everyone could find what he was looking for. But above all the personal contacts boosted the confidence level, which is something that many dealers can use in these difficult times.” The Antwerpsche Diamantkring is the only trade fair in the world that is specialized in rough diamonds. Most trade fairs and events focus on a combination of polished and rough diamonds. Organizing the Rough Diamond Days in the wake of the so-called sighting week enables contact to be easily made with rough diamond dealers. Major mining manufacturers organize sighting days to present their offering of rough diamonds. The exhibitors were very pleased with how the fair went. It welcomed in excess of 2,500 potential buyers over the two days. In addition to the many Belgian diamond traders, a large number of foreign delegations from India, the United States and Israel were also on hand.