HRD Antwerp: No more certificates for laboratory diamonds

HRD Antwerp: No more certificates for laboratory diamonds

The Belgian branch of the HRD Antwerp diamond testing laboratory will no longer issue certificates for synthetic diamonds. The testing laboratory aims to reinforce the distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds and strengthen its own position in the natural diamond sector.

Left: The 4Cs for diamonds. © HRD Antwerp

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently announced that it is adjusting its grading standards for synthetic diamonds. Of the 4Cs that are considered the standard for diamond grading, two—clarity and color—are no longer applicable to synthetic diamonds. In Belgium, however, the innovation goes a step further.

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The GIA changes valuation standards for synthetic diamonds

With the renowned testing laboratory HRD Antwerp Following the US, a European institution is now also following suit in intending to adjust its standards for synthetic diamonds. HRD Antwerp, with headquarters in Antwerp and branches in Dubai, Mumbai, Surat, and Madrid, was established on the basis of more than 500 years of expertise gained from the diamond trade.

Its history is closely linked to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), which was founded in 1973 as the "Hoge Raad voor Diamant" (HRD) – High Diamond Wheel – through an initiative of the Belgian government and representatives of the diamond industry. In 2007, the HRD was restructured and divided into two distinct corporate branches: the AWDC and the HRD Antwerp. The Diamond Centre supports the trade in rough and polished diamonds, while the HDR Antwerp today plays a leading role worldwide in diamond evaluation and certification. 

Focus on natural diamonds: “a strong signal”

Now the “Laboratory Grown Diamond Grading Report” is being abolished by the HDR Antwerp headquarters. Certificates for synthetic diamonds will no longer be issued in Belgium. According to a report by Rapaport The Belgian laboratory intends to focus entirely on natural diamonds and strengthen consumer confidence. However, jewelry containing synthetic diamonds will continue to be evaluated. Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of AWDC stated in a statement:

“HRD Antwerp is the first diamond laboratory to take an explicit and exclusive stance in favor of natural diamonds, thus sending a strong signal.”

The HRD Antwerp began issuing certificates for loose synthetic diamonds in 2013. In 2019, the terminology in the certificates was adjusted and aligned with the terminology for natural diamonds to comply with the 4Cs. 

The new guidelines, which prohibit the evaluation of loose synthetic diamonds, are scheduled to come into force in 2026. The HRD Antwerp intends to continue evaluating synthetic diamonds for research purposes in individual cases.