More than 288,000 carats of Congolese diamonds worth US$3.2 million were sold at a recent auction in Antwerp, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) said.

Organised by Samir Gems, the sale of rough diamonds from Sacim Sarl drew strong international interest, with 47 bidders submitting 311 bids. The event was held from February 16 to 20, 2026 at AWDC’s trading facility.

This was the first tender in Antwerp since the Congolese government lifted restrictions on rough diamond sales in June 2025, restoring access to the open market for major producers. 

Average prices achieved at the tender were 41.6 per cent higher than those fetched in other trading hubs, organisers said.

“The prices for the rough diamonds achieved were significantly higher than in other trading centres, and the number of high-quality participants in the tender was also greater,” remarked Anjal Bhansali of Samir Gems. 

AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters highlighted the “strong presence” of international buyers physically attending the diamond tenders, adding this created robust competition, leading to optimal prices for the goods.