The Belgian diamond industry is preparing for its fourth annual diamond trade fair in Antwerp in less than a month, Rough and Polished reports. The exhibition will take place from January 27 to 29 and will feature more exhibitors than in any previous years, eighty in total. This number represents a 33% increase over last year's 60 exhibitors and exceeds organizers initial estimate of 70.

Jewelry manufacturers and retailers have been pressing organizers for invitations to attend the exclusive fair, according to Rough and Polished. In addition to European diamond traders, Antwerp will host diamond industry professionals from across the world, hailing from Russia, China and the Middle East.

The event is considered significant because when it was first inaugurated in February 2010, it represented the very first time in the local industry's 400-year history that it permitted outsiders to view up close their vast impressive selection of polished diamonds.