Travellers offered free jewellery tests at Antwerp Central

Travellers at Antwerpen-Centraal railway station were invited on Tuesday to have their jewellery tested to see whether the diamonds are natural or synthetic.

The event was organised by Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). The aim was to raise awareness about the difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown ones, which often look identical.

AWDC says some synthetic diamonds are still sold at prices that suggest they are natural stones. This can mean buyers pay far more than the jewellery is actually worth.

During the event, passers-by could place their jewellery in a small mobile scanner. A diamond expert then explained the results and how the testing process works.

The Antwerp diamond industry has struggled in recent years, but there are early signs of recovery. According to AWDC, trade figures have risen by nearly 12 per cent at the start of this year compared with the same period last year.

The sector has also been helped by growth in the US jewellery market, which increased by about five per cent. At the same time, the price of synthetic diamonds is falling, leading consumers to see them less as luxury items.

Despite recent difficulties, AWDC says Antwerp remains a leading global centre for cutting and trading exceptional diamonds.

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