ANTWERP, Belgium — A Diva laden with diamonds and other precious objects made a debut here last weekend.

It actually was a new museum called Diva. And in true flamboyant style, preparations ran right up to the opening.

Such brinksmanship may seem minor in a city that has been the capital of the diamond trade since 1447. But for the city’s leaders and diamond industry insiders, the museum’s arrival has not come a minute too soon. Even though 84 percent of the world’s rough diamonds still passed through here last year, Antwerp has known for awhile that it needed some additional allure to maintain its industry dominance and, particularly, to grow its tourism.