If you're a newcomer to the fabulous world of diamonds, it may be interesting for you to know that currently, 80% of rough diamonds, and 60% of polished diamonds pass through the hallowed diamond quarter of Antwerp, the diamond industry's city of excellence. Antwerp is the third largest port in the world, and a municipality and capital of the Antwerp province in Flanders.
It was all started by Hendrik Cassiers who founded the first diamond cutting company outside Antwerp in Grobbendon, at the end of the 19th Century. He and Frans Dela Montagne laid the foundations of the industry, which settled in Nijlen, Herenthout, Bevel, Kessel, Vorselaar and Berlaar.
One man, Romi Goldmuntz, who was born in 1882, was the catalyst for the survival of the diamond business in Antwerp. His diamond company employed about 600 workers in 1920 and he and his brother Leopold had business connections with the Diamond Trading Company. DTC is a subsidiary of the very famous De Beers.
It was Romi Goldmuntz who in 1918, after the end of the First World War, persuaded exiles in the Netherlands to return to Antwerp and continue working the diamond industry. From these shaky beginnings grew the community of diamond specialist, craftsmen and experts who have developed and nurtured this wonderful industry, ensuring the rest of the world can enjoy the most amazing diamonds and diamond jewellery.
He also founded the Diamond Office in Antwerp, and other institutions are also named after him. 'Cut in Antwerp' is the most sought after trademark in the diamond industry, because with it translates to excellence and quality. Monroe Yorke Diamonds, www.mydiamonds.com.au offers client artisan craftsmen, with their chief craftsman experiencing his training in Antwerp. Majority of the diamonds used at Monroe Yorke Diamonds pass though Antwerp and are cut in Antwerp.
This is reflected in the exquisite diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding rings and loose diamonds in the Monroe Yorke Diamonds collection. Below is a selection of exquisite diamond engagement rings from the Monroe Yorke collection.
Roma - Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Gale - Unique Halo Diamond Ring Yellow Gold