
Online jewelery sales have grown every year.<\/p><\/div>\n\n
The question is, how are the diamond centres? Will online sales take all the customers or will the demand for districts remain in the future? Have people’s shopping habits been shaped by diamond stores as well?<\/span><\/p>\nIt is true that the diamond market has seen changes due to online platforms. The internet has facilitated diamond sales making it easier for consumers to access a wide range of options from various sellers worldwide. Online platforms provide detailed product information, certificates, and sometimes even virtual inspections, enhancing transparency and convenience for buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe have customers who buy diamonds online and from my experience young people do it more. I still feel that this is a field that also needs professional expertise and a concrete person to tell them about these options face-to-face\u201d, Tillander emphasises.<\/span><\/p>\nTillander reminds that laymen do not have the same knowledge as diamond experts. If the customer wants a diamond cut, polished and shaped in a certain way it would be good to go through the shops thoroughly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Online sales offers various diamond services. Picture from the James Allen`s website.<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Blue Nile and James Allen are one of the largest online diamond retailers. Their website presents what kind of opportunities they offer to consumers, among other things in matters related to guidance and doing business on the Internet.<\/span><\/p>\nFor example James Allen has G.I.A graduate gemologists on staff. These gemologists are an integral part of their customer service team. If a client has any further questions, they can speak with a graduate gemologist at any time. Blue Nile also allows you to book an interactive appointment with an expert to get up-close views of diamonds.<\/span><\/p>\nUnlike traditional jewellers, these diamond retailers are usually available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They offer different kind of support with diamond and jewellery experts at any time which is a real advantage when compared to a normal physical store.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Online shopping in the diamond market raises various questions.<\/p><\/div>\n\n
District continues to be a prominent destination for diamond trading<\/strong><\/p>\nSome customers still prefer the traditional experience of physically examining diamonds before making a purchase, especially for high-value or custom pieces. For example Antwerp’s diamond district continues to cater to these needs, offering a unique hands-on experience and a chance to witness the craftsmanship firsthand.<\/span><\/p>\nHave to remember that the diamond industry still thrives on personal relationships, trust, and expertise. Many buyers and sellers prefer face-to-face interactions, especially when dealing with high-value gemstones like diamonds. The district offers a concentrated network of diamond dealers, cutters, polishers, and experts, making it convenient for industry professionals and enthusiasts to conduct business.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOf course you can buy it online and you can have diamonds with certificates. They are certainly true. But we have to remember that people don’t usually know anything about gemstones, the knowledge is very limited so the trust throughout the process is really important\u201d, Tillander reminds.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf you buy a relatively inexpensive stone. Let’s say you want a 10-ton stone, a 5-ton or two-ton stone you can buy it online, but if you want something a little more special, people don’t buy those online. They are obtained through a different method than through the Internet\u201d Tillander adds.<\/span><\/p>\nAlthough we consider online sales, the Antwerp diamond district retains its significance as a centre of diamond trading and expertise. Its long-established reputation, specialised knowledge, and personal interactions make it an important cultural and economic asset for the city.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI had always thought that any business which requires professionalism also requires that trust towards the customer\u201d, Tillander says.<\/span><\/p>\nTillander cannot overemphasise how important trust is between the customer and the trader. She also thinks it is most easily created in presence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe have to know that what we have bought is what we have paid for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\nThe diamond centre of the world is a title the city wants to hold on to<\/strong><\/p>\nDiamond districts often have a rich historical heritage that is part of the city’s cultural identity. In this case, the diamond district represents a continuum and a tradition that passes from one generation to another over the years. The preservation of such areas is important, as it helps to connect and maintain the connection with the past and through this also tells about the historical importance of the city, so even if the majority of diamond purchases move online, the preservation of well-known diamond areas would still be culturally important. They serve as reminders of the city and its inhabitants.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Office room sale in the district.<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Antwerp’s diamond district also makes the city unique. As long as the district is in operation, the city will maintain its unique character and aesthetics. When you google things to do or see in Antwerp, the search offers a lot related to diamonds. After all, these areas and places are well-known landmarks and in a certain way also a source of pride for locals and tourists. The diamond centre of the world is also a title that the city definitely wants to hold on to.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you think about it from the point of view of people working in the diamond industry, it would be a shame if such a diamond district never existed again. The diamond circles themselves often promote a sense of community among different professionals. Through regions, it is easier to maintain the social structure of the industry and networking opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\nEconomically, the diamond district has been a big factor in the city. Antwerp was one of the richest cities in the 2010s, thanks in part to the diamond industry and sales.<\/span><\/p>\nWell-known diamond areas attract tourists, if not to buy diamonds, at least to visit the area. Guided tours of the area, exhibitions and diamond museums are also in great demand. Preserving these areas supports cultural tourism, which can bring economic benefits to the city and support local businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n
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What does an Antwerp resident think of the area and its importance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\nBart Van Nuffelen<\/strong>, who is from Antwerp, made a popular podcast series about a few special events that happened in the area.<\/span><\/p>\nVan Nuffelen is a theatre director and author who became interested in writing about the subject for many reasons. One of the main things was the interestingness of the area, its theatrical culture and neighbourhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cJewish culture is such a world of its own in that place. I knew as a storyteller that it’s very specific. When you’re on these streets, you see these people and I’m very often there. It contains a kind of secrecy and mystique\u201d, Van Nuffelen says.<\/span><\/p>\nAfter 1945, Antwerp’s Jewish community dominated industry, enabling the port city to grow into a leading diamond centre. Up to 25,000 Jews used to work in the diamond workshops. Their numbers have shrunk considerably, because the Indians have been on the rise since the 1960s. Today about 20,000 Jews live in the district.<\/span><\/p>\nVan Nuffelen believes that the area is still important for the city, especially from an economic point of view.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI also believe that it is an important part of our city when I see how the city markets itself and the region to visitors, both national and international. I also think a lot of people are a little bit proud that we have this possibility over here and that it’s important\u201d, Van Nuffelen adds.<\/span><\/p>\n\nThe developing world around forces us to change but not to disappear<\/strong><\/p>\nIn the end, the choice between buying diamonds online or in traditional districts depends on individual preferences, trust factors and the significance placed on physical examination and personal interactions.<\/span><\/p>\nThere will certainly be demand for both in the future. Online shopping as well as buying diamonds on the spot in the district. However, it is clear that changes are coming. Diamond district must keep up with the world’s changes and possibly invent new and modern ways to offer its customers diamond sales according to the traditional formula, as well as something new and something that is not possible via the internet. The competition will be tough and both sides have their strengths and also weaknesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAs technology develops at a rapid pace, it is impossible to say what the future will bring but taking into account all important points and facts that these kinds of places include, the future of the district or its importance is not disappearing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n
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Even today, the diamond industry is developing and expanding with growing demand in emerging markets. The industry changes all the time and adapts to new periods, such as the development of technology. Diamond districts have a long history as professionals in the industry, but will it be able to keep its relevant place in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2717,"featured_media":9425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acls","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n Shopping habits are changing the world - what will happen to the diamond districts? - International Journalism<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n | |