Solomon Katzman
Rough Diamonds
Solomon Katzman, Antwerp enjoys an unparalleled supply of rough diamonds. We procure diamonds from Africa countries mining companies and artisanal miners direct.
In accordance with our highest ethical standards, Antwerp we takes great care to verify the provenance of its rough diamonds. Our internal distribution systems are designed to track the diamonds through the manufacturing and finishing processes.
Procedure for rough diamond import Antwerp in Belgium
Every day a heavily guarded flights arrive Brussels airport, Antwerp Airport, the Belgium , some kilometres from the city center. The cargoes carries valued at millions dollars and consists of packages from, among others, Canada, South Africa, Russia and Namibia.
An annual total of 36 billion dollars
An annual total of 36 billion dollars
Once the packages are unloaded under the extremely watchful eyes of guards, they are transported to the Antwerp diamond district in an armoured car belonging to a specialised security company and accompanied by police cars.
Diamond Office
The packages are delivered to Diamond Office, an AWDC department.
There, all diamonds coming from outside the EU are checked and appraised. The Diamond Office is also responsible for the export documentation of all diamonds that will leave the EU again. In other words, it is a very important stop. All authorities that check diamonds, conduct their inspections there. All authorities? Yes, and there are several:
- Independent and highly qualified Diamond Office experts
- The Federal Public Service Finance
- Customs and Excise Service
- The Federal Public Service Economy
Urgent delivery? If necessary, all the above checks can be completed within one hour. The Diamond Office cooperates closely with customs to process all documents at high speed.
Diamond Trader and Forwarding Agent
(like we, www.solomonkatzman.be)
The diamond trader is phoned by the Diamond Office when his shipment has arrived. The sealed packages remain untouched until they are opened in the presence of the diamond trader or his forwarding agent.
Only recognised diamond traders or forwarding agents have access to the heavily guarded headquarters of Diamond Office. Three-quarters of the Antwerp trade are cleared by these forwarding agents. They work for transport companies that handle the physical transport of goods, such as Malca Amit, Brinks, Ferrari Group.
From diamond trader to the Diamond Office
After delivery, the diamond trader goes to the first floor, where 20 Diamond Office experts are seated, each at their own table. They work in accordance with strict procedures imposed by the FPS Economy. Above each table cameras are mounted that record and store every detail.
In the presence of the diamond trader or forwarding agent, the sealed shipment is opened. First, the packaging is checked for tears or holes. Is something amiss? Diamond office will immediately alert customs.
How are diamonds checked?
For rough diamonds, the certificate of origin is the most important document. The Kimberley Process certificate ensures the diamonds are of legal origin and were sold at a fair price. No certificate equals no import into Antwerp.
This process ensures that almost all conflict diamonds are detected. Cut diamonds do not require this Kimberley-certificate, as they were already checked when they were not yet polished.
This process ensures that almost all conflict diamonds are detected. Cut diamonds do not require this Kimberley-certificate, as they were already checked when they were not yet polished.
Then the expert carefully examines the shipment itself. He inspects the contents with a magnifying glass and verifies its quality, its weight, whether it is an industrial-grade or gem-grade diamond, whether it is uncut or cut and so on. The expert then estimates the value and compares it to the invoiced value. After that, the shipment is also checked by FPS Economy officials. They are responsible for all export and import licences. Lastly, customs inspects all documents provided by means of random checks.
Procedure for importing diamonds to Antwerp
The procedure is identical to the import of diamonds, but in reverse. The diamond trader tenders a shipment that needs to be checked and verified. The diamonds are then packed in sealed plastic film and shipped.
The diamond industry is the most inspected market on the planet and nowhere is the inspection stricter than in Antwerp. Other imported goods, such as bananas, are checked by means of random sampling. With diamonds, however, every single diamond is thoroughly examined. This way you are assured of the highest possible safety and quality.
Purchase of rough diamonds
Diamonds from African countries.
All stones will have been purchased in strict accordance with international agreements of the Kimberley Process.
The presentation of rough diamonds will be held at our office in Antwerp
Our office located in the diamond center of Antwerp will provide maximum security to the
seller. (A passport will be required by the security guards at the entrance of the office)
After gemologist inspection, the payment will be immediate from bank to bank.
We are interested in buying “Natural Rough Diamonds” for jewelry with the above
characteristics, quality, size, price, documents and schedules:
Price: At commercial competitive market prices (TBN)
Delivery Frequency: every week, monthly or as agreed.
Delivery Frequency: every week, monthly or as agreed.