Antwerp World Diamond Centre Presents Commemorative 321 Diamond Ring to President Trump

 

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has presented United States President Donald Trump with a bespoke ring featuring 321 natural diamonds to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The presentation took place during the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations in Brussels, where the ring was formally received on behalf of President Trump by the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White.

Designed by renowned Antwerp diamantaire David Gotlib, the ring showcases 321 natural diamonds and was independently certified by HRD Antwerp, reflecting Antwerp’s long standing reputation for excellence in diamond craftsmanship and grading.

According to the AWDC, the decision to use natural diamonds was intentional. The organisation described them as rare and finite treasures of nature, formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. AWDC emphasised that natural diamonds continue to provide economic opportunities for millions of people employed throughout the global diamond mining, manufacturing and jewellery industries.

AWDC Chairman Isidore Mörsel highlighted the enduring relationship between Antwerp and the United States, noting that America has remained Antwerp’s most important trading partner for generations. A substantial proportion of the natural diamonds traded through Antwerp ultimately find their way into jewellery sold by American retailers, reinforcing the strong commercial ties between the two markets.

For centuries, Antwerp has been recognised as one of the world’s premier diamond trading and manufacturing centres. Its historic diamond district, long associated with the city’s Jewish community, has played a pivotal role in the cutting, polishing and international trade of natural diamonds, helping establish Antwerp as a global hub for the diamond industry.

Source: DCLA

Belgian Diamonds Lose US Tariff Exemption as Trump Reimposes 10% Global Duty

 

The global diamond trade is facing renewed uncertainty after Belgian diamonds lost their US tariff exemption under a newly imposed 10% global import duty announced by US President Donald Trump.

The move follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, which struck down the legal basis for earlier tariffs introduced under the Emergency Economic Powers Act. In response, the Trump administration enacted a blanket 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — a provision that requires duties to be applied consistently to all countries.

Antwerp Diamond Industry Hit Hard

The removal of exemptions directly impacts Antwerp, one of the world’s most important diamond cutting and polishing centres. Antwerp World Diamond Centre confirmed that companies should assume the 10% global duty now applies to polished diamonds entering the US until further clarification is provided.

Previously, diamonds polished in Europe had been exempt from US tariffs under a negotiated EU-US arrangement. That exemption gave Belgium a competitive edge over rival trading hubs such as India and Dubai. Under the new regime, however, those carve-outs no longer appear to apply.

The economic consequences could be significant. While the affected EU trade represents approximately US$4.6 billion annually — less than 1% of the EU’s total exports to the US — the impact is highly concentrated in specific industries, particularly diamonds.

Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders, described the development as a “shockwave in Antwerp,” warning that trade volumes are under pressure, volatility is rising, and predictability in US demand has virtually disappeared.

Legal Constraints Under Section 122

Legal experts note that Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 mandates consistent application of tariffs across all countries. This effectively prevents the US administration from granting country-specific exemptions, including those previously negotiated with the European Union.

According to independent trade monitoring body Global Trade Alert, while many globally applied product exemptions — such as those for electronics — have been carried over into the new tariff regime, hundreds of country-specific exemptions agreed with the EU last year, including those covering diamonds and cork, are absent from the latest published exemption list.

Economist Johannes Fritz, CEO of Global Trade Alert, stated that the use of Section 122 effectively “handcuffs” the administration, making country-specific carve-outs legally problematic.

What This Means for the Global Diamond Market

For the international diamond pipeline, the reimposition of tariffs adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile market. Supply chains that rely on cross-border polishing, trading and distribution may face increased costs and pricing pressures in the US — the world’s largest consumer market for natural diamonds.

From a certification and grading perspective, heightened market volatility underscores the importance of independent, transparent assessment standards. As Australia’s recognised authority and official CIBJO laboratory, DCLA continues to monitor global trade developments closely to ensure clarity, confidence and integrity within the diamond sector.

Further clarification from US and EU officials is expected in the coming weeks as discussions continue regarding the duration and scope of the new tariff regime.

Source: DCLA

Trump Diamond – a Lab Grown Gift from India to US

A diamond manufacturer in India has created a lab grown replica of Donald Trump, as a symbol of the country’s strong ties with the US.

The 4.30-carat stone is the work of Surat-based Greenlab, the company that made the 7.5-ct F / VVS2 gem that was presented by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to then-US First Lady Jill Biden in June 2023.

Greenlab, which produces 1.5m lab grown carats a year, says it took two months to grow the Trump diamond, and it plans to present it to the newly sworn-in president as a gift.

“This 4.7-carat masterpiece is a symbol of our appreciation for leadership and our deep connection with the US market,” said company director Smit Patel.

Source: DCLA