Buying Diamonds in Antwerp? Meet the City That Actually Cuts Them.
Antwerp built its reputation as the historic center of the diamond trade — certification, finance, and dealing. The cutting itself moved to Surat decades ago.
Antwerp vs. Surat
Antwerp Trades and Certifies Them. Surat Cuts Them.
Antwerp's Hoveniersstraat and the wider Antwerp World Diamond Centre remain genuinely central to the global trade — a dense concentration of dealers, banks, and certification expertise built up over centuries.
But the manufacturing base that once anchored Antwerp's diamond industry shifted decisively toward India starting in the late 20th century, driven by labor specialization and cost efficiency. Today, roughly 90% of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat, not Antwerp.
Buyers who have long worked through Antwerp's trading infrastructure are increasingly adding direct Surat sourcing to their supply chain — going to the manufacturing origin while still relying on established hubs like Antwerp for certification and secondary trading where it adds value.
~90%
Of world diamonds cut & polished in Surat
$24B+
Historical annual industry turnover
6,000+
Polishing units in Surat
700K+
Skilled workers in the trade
Why Buyers Are Switching
What Changes When You Source Direct From Antwerp
The Manufacturing Moved — Your Sourcing Can Too
Antwerp's trading and certification strength doesn't change where the stones are actually made. Direct sourcing follows the manufacturing base.
Remove a Historic, Not Just a Modern, Layer
Antwerp-traded stones have often passed through Surat already, plus the trading layer built on top. Buying direct removes that layer entirely.
Complement, Don't Replace
Many buyers keep Antwerp relationships for certification and finance while sourcing new inventory directly from Surat manufacturers.
Read the Full Picture
See the complete case for sourcing direct in Why Surat, what a hosted visit includes on For Buyers, and the step-by-step process on How It Works.
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Plan Your Visit From Antwerp
Tell us your buying category and preferred dates — we'll confirm feasibility and scope a hosted visit around your schedule.
FAQ
Common Questions From Buyers
Does this mean Antwerp is no longer relevant?+
Not at all — Antwerp remains a major hub for certification, finance, and secondary trading. The distinction is between trading/certification and manufacturing, and Surat leads decisively on the manufacturing side.
Can I still get internationally recognized certification for stones bought direct in Surat?+
Manufacturers working with international buyers typically deal in independently graded stones for larger or higher-value pieces, with documentation from established gemological institutes.
How does a European buyer get started with a Surat visit?+
Submit an enquiry with your buying category and preferred dates — VisitSDB scopes travel, matched manufacturer meetings, and on-site support from there.