The square mile around Pelikaanstraat and Hoveniersstraat next to Antwerpen-Centraal where much of the world's rough diamonds are traded; retail shops offer certified stones.
The Antwerp Diamond District occupies a compact area around Pelikaanstraat and Hoveniersstraat beside Antwerpen-Centraal, in Belgium's Flemish Region. It is long established as one of the world's principal centres for trading rough and polished diamonds, and the streets are lined with dealers, cutters, bourses and retail jewellers. For visitors the draw is the retail side: shops sell certified loose stones, engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewellery, often at prices that compare favourably with ordinary high-street jewellers because of the direct trade links. Rings start at about €500 (approx $575), and certified stones begin around €1000 (approx $1150), rising sharply with size, cut and clarity. The district differs from generic shopping in that the product is a high-value, certified commodity, so documentation matters: reputable shops provide grading certificates from recognised gemmological laboratories, and buyers can ask to see the certificate number and verify it with the issuing laboratory. Tourist trinkets are essentially absent; the quarter is a working trade area, and the atmosphere is businesslike and quiet rather than touristic. Many dealers are Jewish-owned and observe the Sabbath, so shops are typically closed on Saturday and open Monday to Saturday hours are better read as Monday to Friday in practice, with typical opening around 10AM to 6PM. Some negotiation is accepted on larger purchases, particularly when buying a loose stone or several items, though small pieces are usually fixed in price. Cards and bank transfers are normal for large sums, and non-EU visitors can generally claim a VAT refund via a tax-free form, subject to minimum spend and customs procedures on departure. Food options are modest: kosher and general cafes and sandwich bars are found nearby, and the station area has additional restaurants. Visitors should take time, compare several shops, and avoid street touts. The district is easily reached on foot from the station and is often combined with a visit to Antwerp's zoo and the city centre.
| Hours | Shops typically Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM (Jewish Sabbath observed by many dealers: closed Saturday) |
|---|---|
| Price | Rings from €500 (approx $575); certified stones from €1000 (approx $1150) |
| Address | Pelikaanstraat, 2018 Antwerp |
Location
Pelikaanstraat, 2018 Antwerp
51.2141, 4.4207 View on map
Highlights
- Compare certified loose diamonds across several dealers
- Browse engagement rings and fine jewellery near Antwerpen-Centraal
- See the working trade streets of Pelikaanstraat and Hoveniersstraat
- Request grading certificates from recognised laboratories
Tips for visiting
- Avoid Saturday, when many dealers observe the Sabbath and close
- Insist on a grading certificate and verify its number
- Compare prices at several shops before committing to a purchase
- Negotiate on larger stones and multi-item purchases, not small pieces
- Ask about tax-free paperwork and customs rules if travelling outside the EU
When to visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are best; avoid Saturdays and Jewish holidays when many shops close.
Accessibility
The streets are flat and paved, and most shops have street-level or buzzer-controlled entrances, though access to individual premises varies.
Frequently asked questions
Why are shops closed on Saturday?
Many dealers in the district are Jewish and observe the Sabbath, so Saturday trading is limited. Monday to Friday is the safest time to visit.
Can prices be negotiated?
Some flexibility is common on larger stones and multi-piece purchases, while small jewellery is usually fixed in price.
How can authenticity be checked?
Reputable shops supply a grading certificate, and the certificate number can be verified with the issuing gemmological laboratory.