Why is Antwerp famous for diamond cutting and diamond trading?

Antwerp is world-renowned as an international center for the diamond industry due to a long-standing tradition of expertise in cutting and trading that dates back centuries. According to legend, the first diamond was cut in the city in 1476.1

By the 16th century, the city had established itself as a major industrial and commercial hub in western Europe, with diamond cutting and dealing becoming integral parts of its economy. These activities have historically thrived in the city's "Diamond Quarter," an area located adjacent to the Central Station. This concentration of specialized labor and trade infrastructure allowed Antwerp to maintain its status as a global leader in the diamond sector through the modern era.12