Most Brilliant

500 YEARS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
From the sixteenth century onwards, Antwerp’s Grote Markt and its surrounding streets were the place to buy silver, gold and precious stones. Anyone with a predilection for brilliant luxury was inevitably drawn to the window displays of the jewellers and the silver and goldsmiths in this neighbourhood. At the moment, one in six creative entrepreneurs is established in Antwerp. The city is a breeding ground for talent. Antwerp’s fashion designers, for example, are world famous. Moreover, Antwerp is the world centre of the diamond trade, so it should come as no surprise that the city’s talented designers are very skilled at turning precious stones and metals into unique items of jewellery.

IN ANTWERP WE SPEAK DIAMOND
As the oldest, largest and purest diamond trading centre, Antwerp has clearly earned its stripes as a Diamond Capital. As early as 1447, the city took the initiative to guarantee the quality and fair trade of diamonds. The centuries-old traditions of the diamond trade have helped shape the city’s identity and diversity. They explain why 70 different nationalities and communities now speak the same language here in Antwerp today: namely, the language of diamonds. To ensure quality and buyer confidence, the city of Antwerp created the quality label Antwerp’s Most Brilliant.

ANTWERP’S MOST BRILLIANT
If you are looking for something different, unique or extraordinary, we are certain that you will find it in Antwerp. Antwerp’s Most Brilliant, the quality certificate of the City of Antwerp and the World Diamond Centre, will point you in the right direction. This certificate is awarded to jewellers who meet rigorous quality requirements. Thanks to this label you can buy jewellery confidently. More info: www.antwerpsmostbrilliant.be

DIVA, a brilliant museum
DIVA is the new museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. Superb craftmanship, fascinating stories, impressive sets and deep sentiments await you in this brilliant museum. A themed exhibition trail will take you on a journey through Antwerp’s diamond story, from its illustrious past to awe-inspiring present. Some 600 objects from DIVA’s collection are presented in ways that allow for meaningful engagement. DIVA is located close to the quays in the heart of the historic centre of Antwerp. So, whether you plan to come on foot or by bicycle, boat, public transport or car, the museum is very easy to reach.

Room of Wonder II: Wouters & Hendrix
(13–09–2019 until 16–02–2020)

Enter the surrealist world of the jewellery designers Wouters & Hendrix. Over the next few years, DIVA is inviting very special guest curators to present their interpretations of a Wunderkammer or cabinet of wonders. For the second Room of Wonder in the series, the jewellery design duo Wouters & Hendrix has been given carte blanche to look back at what has amazed and inspired them over the years. They dug deep into their archive to retrieve some of their own iconic creations, and these are now on display alongside gems from DIVA’s collection as well as works of modern and contemporary art and some other curiosities.
www.divaantwerp.be