Strong buyer turnout as Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair begins
ANTWERP, Belgium, January 26, 2014 – Diamond buyers turned out in force on the first day of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair (ADTF), which presented an extraordinarily wide selection of diamond cuts and a remarkable choice of natural colour gemstones.
The ADTF has expanded this year with the addition of a third hall showcasing exhibitors in the heart of the Antwerp diamond district.
One of the standout stones this year was a GIA-certified fancy red diamond of below one carat, of SI purity, on display at Antwerp Cut’s stand.
“Fancy reds are collector’s items,” said Laetitia Attar of Antwerp Cut, referring to extremely rare red diamonds.
In the new hall, DIAMPREST showcased a wide selection of natural colour diamonds, including a number of yellow gemstones.
“Yellow diamonds are a classical offering now,” DIAMPREST’s Tony Haddad said, and talked of strong growth in demand for natural colour diamonds over recent years.
Created in 1984 by Tony Haddad, DIAMPREST, which stands for “Diamonds and Precious Stones”, is headquartered in Paris, at 48 Rue Lafayette.
The hallways on the first day of the ADTF were packed with buyers from various countries, including a number who had arrived via Eurostar from London.
Chinese-UK designer Fei Liu told Jewellery Outlook that he was visiting ADTF to seek larger diamonds for the Chinese market.
Exhibitors at ADTF presented a huge variety of cuts and sizes, mainly of white diamonds.
Fischler Diamonds specialise in round diamond manufacturing, ranging from 0.10 carat to 5 carats, in colours from D to M, clarities from internally flawless to pique, and in shapes that include the asscher cut, as well as the princess cut and other fancy cuts.
Simoni Gems specialise in marquise and pear shapes.
“As we are focused on only these two shapes, we are able to carry one of the largest inventories of well-cut marquise and pear shaped diamonds in the world,” the company said in the show guide.
The ADTF continues until January 28.
