3rd Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair unfolds

The third edition of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair unfolded with 70 Antwerp-based diamond firms exhibiting in the trading halls of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse and the Diamond Club of Antwerp. The fair was slated between January 29 -31 2012. Exhibitors showcased a wide collection of diamonds, gemstones and diamond jewellery.

The show witnessed a good footfall of diamond buyers from Europe, the Middle East and Turkey. The show received a good participation of buyers from the Middle East. Khaled Yosef Al-Owaymer, a member of the National Committee for Precious Metals and Precious Stones of the Council of Saudi Chambers, said, Middle Eastern buyers were eager to gain direct access to the Antwerp diamond market. "The variety of goods on offer on a single location is something we have not experienced before”.

Suzanne Eid, general manager of Collection, a Beirut-based jewellery publication, coordinated the visit of the Saudi and Lebanese buyers' delegation. She noted that while Antwerp was already a regular destination for many of the buyers, the fair provided an excellent opportunity to increase their sourcing for goods.

A Gala Dinner sponsored by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), was hosted at the end of the first day of the show. Raphael Rubin, a member of the ADTF's Organizing Committee, said, "This third edition of the fair is the proof that we are up to the challenge of organizing an international trade fair here in Antwerp," he declared. Rubin also revealed that buyers from North America, China and SouthEast Asia would be invited to take part in the 2013 fair. The Gala Dinner's highlight was a concert by award-winning soprano Ana Camelia Stefanescu, accompanied by the Nuovi Musiche orchestra, conducted by Maestro Eric Lederhandler. Stefanescu and the orchestra performed works by Donizetti, Verdi and Leonard Bernstein.