The butler's rooms
A theatrical tour through a wealthy collector's mansion.
Bert76 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC0 · Léopold Van Strydonck — CC0 · FrDr — CC BY-SA 4.0
DIVA is Antwerp's museum of diamonds, jewellery and silver — the world's diamond capital since the sixteenth century, through whose exchanges about **84%** of the world's rough diamonds pass. Opened in 2018 near the Grote Markt with an elegant theatrical display: six themed rooms in which a virtual "butler" guides you through a wealthy collector's mansion along the diamond's story from mine to cutting, polishing, trade and jewellery. The exhibits are lavish: historic and contemporary jewellery, Antwerp's famous silverware (it was a centre of silversmithing), cutting tools, explanations of how diamonds are valued (carat, colour, clarity, cut), and the story of the Jewish and then Indian communities in the trade. For prospective buyers: an essential introduction before heading to the diamond quarter. Near the Grote Markt — an elegant hour explaining the city's most famous industry; for those wanting to buy: learn here first.
A theatrical tour through a wealthy collector's mansion.
The historic silversmithing centre.
How diamonds are valued — for the buyer.
Suikerrui 17-19, 2000 Antwerp
De Ruien (Underground Antwerp)De Ruien is Antwerp hidden underground: the network of medieval canals and strea1 minute walk4.1
Grote Markt and Brabo FountainThe Grote Markt is Antwerp's great square and historic heart: an irregular trian1 minute walk4.5
Antwerp City HallAntwerp's City Hall is the first great Renaissance building in the Low Countries1 minute walk4.6
Eugeen Van Mieghem MuseumA small museum devoted to the Belgian painter Eugeen Van Mieghem (1875-1930), a 1 minute walk4.3
Vlaeykensgang AlleyThe Vlaeykensgang is a secret sixteenth-century alley steps from the cathedral: 1 minute walk4.7It can be: fewer middlemen and high competition in the diamond quarter behind the station, with certificates (GIA or HRD Antwerp) essential for peace of mind. But the quarter is also crowded with tourist shops — learn at DIVA first, compare, and never buy without an independent certificate. A good stone at a good price is possible; a miraculous bargain is an illusion.