The Antwerp Diamond Bourse and the Diamond Club of Antwerp opened their doors on Sunday as the third edition of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair was launched at the trading halls of the historic bourses.

Diamond buyers from Europe, the Middle East and Turkey visited the booths of some 70 Antwerp diamond firms where an unprecedented collection of diamonds, gemstones and diamond jewelry were on display, the AWDC announced in a press release.

Phillipe Ringer, sales manager of the Antwerp-based DTC sight holder Trau Brothers, said the company was pleased to see a sizable delegation of Middle Eastern buyers at the fair.

“Countries like Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have become increasingly important target markets for Antwerp diamond firms. These countries are showing a strong demand for high-end goods, both for large loose diamonds and for unique, high-quality diamond jewelry creations. To cater to these buyers, we are presenting both single stones as well as some extraordinary jewelry items,” he said.

The first day of the fair concluded with a Gala Dinner, sponsored by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). Raphael Rubin, a member of the ADTF's Organizing Committee, welcomed the buyers who had come from India, Thailand, the Ukraine, the Middle East and Turkey. Rubin revealed that buyers from North America, China and Southeast Asia would be invited to take part in the 2013 fair.