Joachim Vets' interest in the diamond sector began at a young age. As a child, he helped sort rough diamonds by color, and his first presentation was about diamond processing. At fourteen, he wanted to earn some extra money and took a seat at a polishing wheel in the workshop in his grandparents' garden in Booischot. He was taught by Jan, a master polisher who worked at a polishing wheel right behind him. The polishing workshop is still there, although it is no longer in use. However, Joachim still often steps inside when he visits his grandmother. “Do you smell the scent of the polishing workshop?” he asks. “That is the characteristic scent of the Kempen diamond polishing workshops. I still come in here regularly just to take in the smell.” We find ourselves in the middle of the factory as the conversation continues. Joachim recalls how pleasant it was to work in this space, thanks in part to the dust extraction system, heating, and even air conditioning. Still, Joachim deliberately chose to first complete his secondary education and earn a college degree.
After studying economics-mathematics and later business management at Karel de Grote University College, Joachim joined the family business, Vets Alphi, which has a polishing factory in Antwerp and Sri Lanka. Between 2010 and 2016, Joachim worked almost permanently in Sri Lanka, fully dedicating himself to marking, sawing, cutting, and polishing diamonds. “I learned a lot from our three expats (Ludwig, Guy, and Fons), who taught me everything. When they retired, the factory continued operating independently.” Joachim strongly believes in the local community and the integration of the workshop into society. “The polishing factory has become fully embedded there and is an essential part of local life.”
Great importance is placed on social responsibility. The Vets family has established a diamond training school in Sri Lanka for young people who have lost interest in traditional education. “We want to give these young people a fair chance. From the age of sixteen, they can start a six-month training program, after which they can specialize further. However, it's not for everyone—the success rate is around 60%.” The training is provided free of charge, with transportation costs reimbursed, among other support measures. Students are selected based on key qualities: perseverance (the ability to get back up after making mistakes), common sense (an engineering degree is not necessary), and good eyesight (with or without assistance). Free eye tests are organized for both students and employees, and glasses or contact lenses are provided if needed. “We ensure that our employees can perform at their best. Good vision is essential in our profession, and we are happy to contribute to that.” The family business is inclusive, aligning perfectly with the sustainable development goals. “In our current group of students, two young people have a mental disability, and we also have three workers with severe physical disabilities. Everyone gets the chance to develop with us.”
“It is crucial that all diamond organizations in Antwerp join forces and take responsibility to safeguard the future of the industry”
Vets Alphi specializes in smaller diamonds, which can no longer be cut profitably in Belgium due to high labor costs. The factory in Antwerp mainly processes larger stones, although sometimes smaller stones are cut and polished as well. The Antwerp factory also serves as a testing center, experimenting with different polishing wheels and powders to ensure the highest quality. “That is one of Vets Alphi’s greatest strengths: we do everything in-house. This way, we have full control over the process and can guarantee the highest quality.”
However, cutting and polishing diamonds in Antwerp is becoming increasingly difficult. “It is crucial that all diamond organizations in Antwerp join forces and take responsibility to safeguard the future of the industry,” Joachim emphasizes. “Every organization can contribute to this.” Joachim has been a member of SBD since 2018 and has a strong family connection to the organization. “My family has a long history within SBD. Several ancestors and family members have held board positions.” Meanwhile, Joachim’s grandmother, Lydia Van Hove, shows me some old SBD magazines, along with a photo album containing pictures of SBD meetings and international conferences the organization attended. For Joachim, SBD is a valuable organization. “To support SBD, four people from Vets Alphi are currently members,” says Joachim Vets. “Membership offers three major benefits. First, SBD helps us interpret increasingly complex regulations. Second, it provides a network of like-minded individuals who collaborate on strategies to put Antwerp back on the map. And third, SBD represents our interests in other organizations, where board members can exert their influence.” To better represent its members' interests, Joachim advocates for all SBD members to have more say in choosing their representatives within various organizations. Additionally, he believes that all mandates SBD is entitled to should actually be filled.
"Antwerp’s greatest asset as a diamond centre is the unique operation of Diamond Office"
SBD is also represented in the Fund for the Diamond Industry, a joint organization composed of representatives from employers (SBD, VKD) and employees (ABVV-AC, ACV-TRANSCOM). Joachim believes that more effort should be put into training to preserve diamond-processing expertise in Belgium. “More diamond-polishing courses should be organized, both basic training and advanced courses. To maximize enrollment, the Fund should not only offer these courses but also actively promote them. To build momentum, these courses should take place even if there are only a few participants.” He also emphasizes that HRD Antwerp, once world-renowned for its courses, including diamond-polishing training, should do more to promote Antwerp as a quality label. “Let’s be honest, what does the name ‘Antwerp’ in HRD Antwerp mean if stones are no longer certified here?” Joachim asks.
Joachim also has advice for AWDC, the umbrella organization of the diamond sector. Together with the Federal Public Services for Economy and Finance, AWDC enforces a strict three-tier inspection system at Diamond Office. “Antwerp’s greatest asset as a diamond center is the unique operation of Diamond Office, which ensures that every diamond shipment is physically inspected,” says Joachim. “No other country has a customs office as specialized as Belgium’s Diamond Office. AWDC should promote this more. Here, everything is literally checked by the most experienced experts, which fosters trust in the Antwerp diamond sector.” Additionally, Joachim believes AWDC should put more effort into highlighting Antwerp’s diamond cutting and polishing industry by promoting diamonds processed in the city. “As an umbrella organization, they must also protect the interests of the cutting and polishing industry. If the factories disappear, so does the knowledge, and then Antwerp will become like Amsterdam—a city where tourists can book a tour about a long-lost diamond past.” He stresses that if expertise vanishes, rough diamonds will no longer come to Antwerp. “Right now, the focus is too much on the trade, while it is precisely the industry that ensures the knowledge and expertise that make Antwerp unique.”
We conclude the interview with a glass of champagne, toasting to the future of the Antwerp diamond sector.
