DRMumbai: The DIVA Museum, an institution created with the idea of highlighting the story behind some of the world’s most beautiful diamonds, opened its doors in the capital city of the Flemish province of the same name located in northern Belgium.
Antwerp is known for being home to silversmiths, jewellers and diamond dealers since the 16th century, and this new museum tries to showcase how, throughout time, different techniques have been used in the area to work precious metals and gemstones.
DIVA – Antwerp Home of Diamonds tries to showcase how, throughout time, different techniques have been used in Antwerp to work precious metals and gemstones
The museum’s exhibits are prepared in collaboration with researchers, universities and associated institutions. The museum, designed by Belgian interior designer Gert Voorjans, is divided in six rooms and has everything from diamond-encrusted boots to a diamond-adorned tennis racket and stunning historical pieces.
Curator Romy Cockx said the museum also teaches visitors about the history of diamonds and jewelry-making. “Visitors can see really old diamond jewelry from the 16th-century where diamonds were not worked on yet. So they are pointed diamonds. One can also see how these cuts have evolved throughout the centuries.”
Luk Lemmens, Commissioner for Culture and Chairman of DIVA, expects 2,00,000 visitors to the museum annually, and preferably more. “This will be another tourist attraction that will hopefully encourage people to also visit the rest of the city.” For further details, visit www.divaantwerp.be/en
