The Diamond-filled Blood of Antwerp’s Jain Jewellery Traders : Analysis

The Diamond Quarter in Antwerp, Belgium, is home to a community of Jains who dominate the city’s diamond industry. Jains are followers of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence and non-possession. Many Jains in Antwerp are involved in business, management, finance, and accounting, and their strong work ethic and commitment to honesty have contributed to their success in the diamond trade.

The Jain community in Antwerp is predominantly made up of individuals who trace their roots to Palanpur, a city in the state of Gujarat, India. The Jains moved to Belgium primarily for business opportunities, as Antwerp is a favorable location for the diamond industry. While Jains are known for their strict vegetarian diet, their social lives revolve around home, the temple, and Jain-friendly restaurants.

Jains have made significant contributions to the diamond industry by advocating for ethical practices and working towards eradicating conflict diamonds. Jain diamond firms in Antwerp have been instrumental in the development and application of the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme that aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Dilip Mehta, a Jain CEO, has also pushed for expanding the definition of conflict diamonds in his role as a director of the World Diamond Council.

Antwerp has been the capital of the world diamond industry since 1456, and its diamond exchange plays a crucial role in the trade. The diamond trade in the city was historically dominated by Orthodox Jews until Jain traders from Gujarat entered the scene in the mid-20th century. Jain traders established a supply chain that involved buying rough diamonds at a low price, outsourcing cutting and polishing to craftspeople in Gujarat, and selling the polished stones in Antwerp. Today, about 80% of Antwerp’s diamond traders are Jains.

Trust and reputation play a significant role in the diamond industry, with much of the business conducted through handshakes and verbal agreements. The close-knit nature of the Jain and Jewish communities in Antwerp has fostered cooperation and respect between the two groups, despite the Jain community’s rise to dominance in the industry. While Jains focus on the wholesale trade, Antwerp’s Jewish workshops specialize in polishing the highest-quality diamonds.

The Jain temple in Antwerp is a symbol of the community’s presence in the city. Situated in the suburb of Wilrijk, the temple stands out in an otherwise unassuming neighborhood. It was funded by the Jain community and reflects their values of simplicity and restraint.

Overall, the article provides an interesting glimpse into the Jain community in Antwerp and their influence in the diamond industry. The sources used include interviews with members of the Jain community and experts in Jainism. While the article presents a positive perspective on the Jain community and their contributions, it is important to note that it lacks diverse viewpoints and perspectives. Additionally, the article does not address any potential controversies or challenges faced by the Jain community in Antwerp.

In terms of credibility, the article relies on interviews with individuals from the Jain community and an expert in Jainism from Ghent University. While the sources appear to be knowledgeable about the topic, it is always important to be critical of any potential biases or limitations in the information presented.

The article may contribute to a nuanced understanding of the Jain community’s role in the diamond industry and their religious beliefs. However, its reliance on personal anecdotes and lack of diverse perspectives may limit its reliability and the public’s perception of the information. Additionally, the article does not explore the potential impact of the political landscape or the prevalence of fake news on how the information is received by the public.

In conclusion, the article offers an insight into the Jain community in Antwerp and their prominence in the diamond industry. While it provides some valuable information, it must be read critically and supplemented with additional sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘Diamonds are in my blood’: The Jain jewellery traders of Antwerp