Page 22 - Robeson Living

Local Jeweler Experiences Journey of the

Diamond in Belgium

Greg Phelps of Bob’s Jewel shop just returned from a dia-
mond buying trip to Antwerp Belgium. The diamond capi-
tal of the world, Antwerp has a rich 500-year history in the
diamond trade. Over 80% of the worlds rough diamonds
travel through Antwerp.

“Along with experiencing the culture and rich architecture
of Antwerp it is an opportunity of a lifetime to see and ex-
perience the journey of the diamond.” Greg stated, “I was
able to see how a diamond is tracked from a rough crystal
coming from the earth to a beautiful faceted diamond. It
is amazing how much technology has changed from the
mining process to the actual cutting and faceting of a di-
amond. At one time everything was done by hand. Today
most of diamonds are polished and cut by machines. Now
there are approximately 200 cutters left in Antwerp, where
there were once thousands.”

On the trip Greg could observe a diamond cutter sitting at
his beach working as well as a fully automated diamond
process. Being a member of the Retailers Jeweler’s orga-
nization (RJO), Greg along with a dozen other jewelers
could visit and buy from the largest diamond dealer in
Antwerp. He was able to hold a 35 carat, flawless heart
shaped diamond that had been sold that morning.

Greg Phelps of Bob’s Jewel Shop “While in Antwerp, I was able to hand select each dia-

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