Private Antwerp's Diamonds and Jewellery Old City Center Historic Tour

Our tour starts in front of DIVA, Antwerps diamond, jewellery and silversmithing museum.

Where our guide will give you an introduction to Antwerp's connection with diamond and jewellery before we start our walk to discover the neighbourhood and its creative jewellers.

After the tour we strongly recommend to visit DIVA as they host a range of interesting exhibits.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Grote Markt, Antwerp 2800 Belgium

The history of Antwerp as a diamond capital starts right here. During the annual fairs foreign merchants with flock to the city to trade and buy our gems and jewellery.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Wisselstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Wissel means exchange and this is the place were foreigner buyers used to exchange their money. Not all was glitter and gold, as you will find out where the word Bankrupt comes from.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Saint Paul's Church, Sint-Paulusstraat 22, Antwerp 2000 Belgium

Saint Paul's church has a rich history with silversmithing and jewellery and it still boasts a well stocked treasury with over 3000 diamonds.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Zwartzustersstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

You wouldn't be able to tell anymore, but this street used to be a bustling shopping street. Jewellery shops on the ground flour and diamond cutters ateliers on top.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Zirkstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

The first diamond cutter lived here in the 15th century. Find out everything about diamond cutting and its history.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Pascale Masselis, Zirkstraat 42, Antwerp 2000 Belgium

Pascale Masselis graduated from the Royal Academy of Antwerp in 1983. On your tour she will gladly invite you into her atelier to show you her craft. She works exclusively with 18 carat gold and every piece of jewellery she creates is unique and handcrafted in her own atelier. Pieces can be especially made to order and Pascale will even transform your old, out-of-date jewellery into modern treasures.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Lange Koepoortstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Here used to be the nation house of the silver and goldsmiths.

Our guide will tell you about their history and why there was a need for a nation house.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Wijngaardstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

This picturesque little street boasts no less than 5 jewellers, each with their own creative vision and techniques.

Gerda De Vrij studied in Pforzheim under Klaus Ullrich, one of the pioneers for ‘modern jewellery’. After graduating she settled in Antwerp and started her own atelier with her then-husband, Emile Henry. Since then, their two daughters have joined the business, ensuring the brands’ survival into the next generation.

Wim Meeussen is renowned for his distinctive collection of jewellery and wedding rings. Next to his flagship store, you will find a second location dedicated to silver jewellery, making his signature style available to every budget.

Hanne Schoofs regularly seeks out new techniques to bring her designs to life, making sure the collection is constantly evolving.

Designer Eva Crauwels has been working as an independent Goldsmith for over 15 years. The collection feels Retro-Romantic and has a very feminine touch.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Wijngaardstraat, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Artist and goldsmith Rembrandt Jodan invites us into his multidisciplinary space. Art gallery - atelier and jewellery shop in one.

Duration: 20 minutes