Inspired by Johan Barthold Jongkind (1819-1891) – A square in Antwerp (August 10,  1867) – Water color / Black stone / Gouache – 4,92 x 6,85 inch

Antwerp, a mythical city linked to the diamond for more than 500 years. It all began in the 15th century, when the city became one of the most important diamond centers.And why is that ? All thanks to its privileged geographical situation and the excellent reputation of stonemasons. Its port is visited by Portuguese sailors bringing the rough diamonds extracted in Brazil. It’s the perfect place where cutters from all over the world came to learn their job and also where royal families came to buy diamonds.

Everything changes at the end of the 19th century with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa. Antwerp then becomes the cornerstone of the market: 80% of rough diamond and 50% of cut diamonds transit there.

Since the 2000s, Antwerp is no longer the capital of diamonds. Hard to deal with the fierce competition of India and China. Computer science, a powerful tool, has become the essential, reliable and faithful ally of India, now a hub for rough and cut diamonds.

Antwerp is no more …