Antwerp: the perfect place for romance
For a stunning proposal or wedding anniversary, Antwerp provides both the atmosphere and the stone.
It’s true that a kiss on the hand is quite Continental, but when romance is in the air and cupid is drawing back the bowstring your amour will most likely want more. Marilyn Monroe once hinted that girls were more enchanted by a particular kind of precious stone, the kind that - as Shirley Bassey pointed out - would last forever. But where should you go to combine a romantic break with the chance to find perhaps the most important stone of your life? The answer: Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp.
Within 40 minutes of alighting from the Eurostar in Brussel, you can be arriving at Antwerp’s recently renovated Central Station, built over a century ago and dubbed the “Railway Cathedral” which makes for a special way to enter the city.
If you are considering buying loose diamonds or having a ring made, by buying in Antwerp you can easily save the cost of your trip - and have a romantic break into the bargain. For jewellery, expect to save at least 20 per cent on UK prices: there are also substantial savings to be made buying loose stones.
If you are thinking of proposing, one establishment that recognises the popularity - and importance - of a once in a lifetime engagement ring is Diamondland, Appelmansstraat 33A ( +32 3 229 2990; www.diamondland.be ), which sells loose stones and ready-made jewellery, and custom-make pieces. Ingrid Segers of Diamondland says that most of their customers who cross the Channel are in contact with the company for some time in advance, discussing their requirements and prices. A date and time is then arranged, allowing the company to have all relevant stones and designs ready for the visit. Diamondland incorporates a workshop where customers can see the best diamond polishers, setters and a goldsmith at work, transforming undistinguished stones into objects of glittering beauty. Guided tours are offered demonstrating production and explaining the four C’s - carat, colour, clarity and cut - which determine a diamond’s value.
Antwerp’s largest diamond showroom, Diamondland, has teamed up with some of the city’s leading four-star hotels to offer those who make a purchase costing over €950 (£700) one night’s accomodation at their chosen hotel. As, as with all diamonds sold by the jewellers, you’ll also receive a certificate telling you its exact specification and guaranteeing its quality.
Published in ‘The Independent’ by David Orkin - October 15th 2005