Guide to a jeweler for Antwerp

Unlock the digestive of free editor

Roula Khalaf, the FT editor, chooses her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.

I was born in Ghent and first came to Antwerp to study at the city’s ballet school more than 15 years ago. I had to give up the dance after I started experiencing physical difficulties in my last year, but I was lucky to find another passion in jewelery shortly after moving here. Antwerp is known as the capital of the world’s diamond and we are lucky to have some of the best ateliers and traders in the city, so there is a lot of knowledge and craftsmen when it comes to jewelery.

What makes Antwerp so unique is her creative energy: Since the 1600s she has been a center of various crafts and interesting artistic profiles, from artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Rinus Van de Velde in fashion photographer Willy Vanderperre and stylist Pieter Mulier. There is a tolerance and openness that makes it a very inspiring place to live, yet everything is still on the human scale. Whenever I travel to a larger city like Paris or London, I am always happy to return home.

On the typical Saturday, I will start the day with some yoga, then go out for breakfast in the south of the city with my husband or friends before catching an exhibition. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts has one of the largest collections of (Belgian painter James) in the world, so you can really take your time and stroll. There are also contemporary galleries like Tim Van Laere and Axel Vervoordt’s Cultural Complex around a 15-minute car from the city. Often there are interesting events and presentations from the artists he represents – it is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

For purchase, I rely on dries van noten – he is Papa

When it comes to restaurants, we are very broken: there are always new things that appear. One of my favorites is Pottenbrug, a small bistro, family-owned, Belgian-Belg. It feels very authentic, and everything in the menu is good, though I especially like turbot. If you like fish, Misera, which is in the new southern part, is also a great choice. But on Sundays, I like to go to the arts, a classic Italian who has the best atmosphere – many people gather, so you are always likely to clash with someone. It is a nice way to finish the week and start the other. Cotoletta Milanese is always delicious.

For shopping, I rely on dries van Noten – he is the Pope. I try not to buy a lot of clothes and the great thing for the brand is that you can wear its parts for a long time and combine them with the things you already have. Another great store is Huben, which reserves stylish brands like The Row, though I have to keep myself away as it is dangerous. And if you like antiques, I would recommend you to go to Kloostersstraat, a street around the corner of my exhibition hall that has many vintage and ancient shops, as well as Erik Tonen, one of the best bookstores in the city. I am addicted to buying books and have a large collection of work in good quality jewelery.

Much of my inspiration comes from walking around the city – Antwerp architecture is a beautiful mix of modern and very classic buildings, which is something I try to combine in my work. What most tourists do not know is that the city center cathedral has a garden, which is very isolated. It is the best place to relax because it’s on the wall, so you don’t hear anything.

There are always new things to discover in Antwerp and people are adventurous here – they dare to take risks and build their stories. Yes, it can be one of Europe’s smallest cities, but it is very alive with a lot of creativity. Design and craft are still at the core of the city, which gives it a certain energy and a feeling that people can be free and completely themselves. There is nothing more inspiring than that.