Diamantmuseum

By participating in Europalia Brazil the Diamond Museum wishes to shed a light on a rather sombre chapter in the Antwerp diamond history.  With the discovery of rough diamonds in Brazil around 1714, the 18th century was a period filled with challenges for the Antwerp diamond sector. Antwerp experienced a difficult period, in particular when the Dutch acquired the monopoly for the purchase of Brazilian diamonds.  But the local cutters could still continue developing their skills because our northern neighbours passed on the most difficult diamonds to them.

An expo on the colourful opulence of Brazilian diamond finds (18th and 19th century). Presented as a 'circuit':  from slaves via sly traders and talented diamond cutters to the design table of ingenious jewellers.
The visitor is confronted with a passage, with the illegal smuggling circuit, with the Brazilian society involved in the diamond mining, but also with the African slaves transported by Europeans on the so-called 'Black Ships' to extract, wash etc... the diamonds.
Thanks to the co-operation of Portuguese museums such as the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis in Porto, which house hidden treasures, but also with top pieces from the Cartier collections; Grünes Gewölbe - Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden; the German Edelstein-Museum in Idar-Oberstein; Rosenborg Slot - De Danske Kongers Kronologiske Samling and beautiful pieces from private collections such as the Japanese Albion Art Jewellery Institute, the Diamond Museum can immerse the visitor in this dazzling exhibition.