The ADTF News

A buyer's perspective on Antwerp

What attracts Buyers to Antwerp?  Diamonds, of course, stupid. But when asked, each and every buyer has his or hers own distinctive reasons to prefer Antwerp as their buying destination.

For Joe Hakim of Antoine Hakim Jewellers of Beirut, Lebanon, Antwerp is an indispensible destination on his annual travel itinerary.  "Our company is a diamond wholesale trading and jewellery manufacturing firm with deep, historical roots in Lebanon," Mr. Hakim said. Hakim explained that his firm wholesales diamonds in Lebanon itself, and manufactures high- end jewellery that is marketed sold throughout the Middle East. "This is a market that will continue to develop, diversify and expand," he noted.

"While I come to Antwerp numerous times a year, I was very upset to miss the show last year, as it offers buyers – veteran and new alike – a great opportunity to find all one's needs in a single, very negotiable and appealing location.  As it captures 80 percent of the rough market and more than 50 percent of the polished diamond market, Antwerp is the tope destination and source for diamond," Hakim continued. "As to the ADTF, I think the idea of having a show in the two historical diamond trading halls is brilliant.  I am looking forward to the end of the month!"