一提到钻石，安特卫普这个名字就不可避免地浮现出来。比利时没有重要的钻石矿，也不生产钻石，那么为什么全球大部分钻石都运往安特卫普呢？是什么让这座城市成为钻石贸易的心脏？答案是地理优势和开创性创新的奇妙结合，它们塑造了安特卫普数百年来的传统。
When you think of diamonds, the name Antwerp inevitably surfaces. Belgium does not have significant diamond mines, nor does it produce diamonds, so why are most diamonds transported from around the globe to Antwerp? What makes this city the beating heart of the diamond trade? The answer lies in a fascinating blend of geographical advantages and groundbreaking innovations that have shaped its legacy over centuries.
历史悠久贸易枢纽
A Historic Trade Hub
地理因素在安特卫普钻石的成功故事中起着举足轻重的作用。追溯到16世纪初，安特卫普成为开采钻石，如印度等遥远国度的首选目的地。最初，原石被运往比利时的主要交通枢纽布鲁日，然后再运往安特卫普。这座港口城市的战略位置加上繁华的贸易路线，使其成为加工和交易这些珍贵宝石的理想之地。
时至今日，安特卫普钻石区的活力与日俱增。在帕里克大街上，方圆两公里内汇集了众多令人眼花缭乱的钻石交易活动：四家钻石银行、300多家切割作坊和1500多家贸易商。安特卫普拥有7000名熟练工人，每年专业处理2500万克拉的钻石，安特卫普继续保持着全球钻石业的强势地位，确保钻石始终是奢华和优雅的象征。
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Geographical factors play a pivotal role in Antwerp’s diamond success story. Dating back to the early 16th century, Antwerp emerged as the go-to destination for diamonds mined in far-off lands like India. Initially, rough diamonds were shipped to Bruges, Belgium’s premier transport hub, before making their way to Antwerp. This port city's strategic location, combined with its bustling trade routes, positioned it as the ideal place for processing and trading these precious stones.
Fast forward to today, and the vibrancy of Antwerp's diamond district has only amplified. On Pelikan Street, within a mere 2-kilometer radius, lies a dazzling concentration of diamond activity: four diamond banks, over 300 cutting workshops, and more than 1500 traders. With 7000 skilled workers expertly handling an astounding 25 million carats annually, Antwerp continues to be a global powerhouse, ensuring that diamonds remain a symbol of luxury and elegance.
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钻石博物馆
DIVA 是安特卫普的钻石博物馆，游客可以在这里了解世界各地宝石的历史。它也是全球最大的钻石博物馆，占地1200平方米，共有三层。博物馆采用互动和参与式体验方式，旨在帮助每个人了解数百年的钻石历史。参观者可以观看视频，并被展示的钻石反射出的光芒所吸引。
DIVA is Antwerp's diamond museum, where visitors can learn about the history of gemstones from around the world. It is also the largest diamond museum globally, covering 1,200 square meters across three floors. The museum experience is both interactive and engaging, designed to help everyone discover centuries of diamond history. Visitors can watch videos and be enchanted by the light reflected from displayed diamonds.
© By Bert76 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78830649
© Tom Cornille
参观这座博物馆时，您可以欣赏到16世纪至今的珠宝。充满宝藏的房间里展示着独一无二的作品，对钻石开采感兴趣的人还可以参观实验室。您还可以在安特卫普体验店与钻石珠宝顾问预约。
During a visit to this museum, you can admire jewelry from the 16th century to the present. The treasure-filled rooms showcase unique pieces, and those interested in diamond mining can tour the laboratory. You can also schedule an appointment with the diamond jewelry consultants at Antwerp experience store.
创新闪耀光芒
Innovation Sparkles Bright
但地理位置并不是安特卫普与众不同的唯一因素，技术进步也在提升城市声誉方面发挥了至关重要的作用。最重要的创新之一出现在1456年，法兰德斯工匠 Lodewyk van Berken彻底改变了钻石抛光艺术。他引入了一种开创性的技术，即在快速旋转的铁板上使用橄榄油和钻石粉末的混合物，用其他钻石对钻石进行抛光。这种方法可以对称地抛光钻石的每个刻面，赋予钻石无与伦比的光泽和色彩。
技术的飞跃不仅增强了宝石的美感，也巩固了安特卫普作为钻石贸易首选的地位。正是在这里，切割和抛光工艺开始蓬勃发展，吸引了来自欧洲各地的能工巧匠，他们都想掌握这门复杂的手艺。
By Fred Romero - Antwerpen - Lodewijk van Bercken, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76862462
But geography isn't the only factor that sets Antwerp apart; technical advancements have also played a crucial role in enhancing the city’s reputation. One of the most significant innovations came in 1456 when Flemish craftsman Lodewyk van Berken revolutionized the art of diamond polishing. He introduced a groundbreaking technique that involved polishing diamonds with other diamonds, utilizing a mixture of olive oil and diamond dust on a rapidly spinning iron plate. This method allowed for symmetrical polishing of each facet, bestowing diamonds with unmatched brilliance and spark.
This leap in technology not only intensified the beauty of the gems but also solidified Antwerp’s status as the premier destination for diamond trade. It was here that the craft of cutting and polishing began to flourish, attracting skilled artisans from all over Europe who sought to master the intricacies of their trade.
绚丽多彩的目的地
The Glittering Destination
今天，安特卫普是数百年传统与创新的见证。安特卫普是一座繁华的大都市，钻石的魅力一直吸引着全世界。从皇室佩戴的高雅珠宝到贸易商交换的投资级宝石，安特卫普的钻石业蓬勃发展，既保持了丰富的传统，又适应了现代市场的需求。
Today, Antwerp stands as a testament to centuries of tradition and innovation. It is a bustling metropolis where the allure of diamonds continues to captivate the world. From elegant jewellery worn by royalty to investment-grade gems exchanged by traders, the diamond industry in Antwerp flourishes, keeping its rich heritage alive while adapting to the demands of a modern market.
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