4CS

4C’s

No two diamonds are alike. Each one is unique. This is why over the years a universal standard for identifying diamonds has been set. The quality and value of a diamond is defined according to the 4Cs: carat, colour, clarity and cut. At HRD Antwerp we are experts in analysing these characteristics. Our diamond grading report covers all 4Cs for loose diamonds, ensuring consumers know exactly what diamond they are buying.

Carat

ct.

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 100 points, which indicates the weight. HRD Antwerp has extremely accurate scales that measure up to 1/100 000 of a carat. This accurate weight is very useful for identifying diamonds.

Colour

EXC. WHITE +

EXC. WHITE

RARE WHITE+

RARE WHITE

WHITE

SLIGHTLY TINTED WHITE+

SLIGHTLY TINTED WHITE

TINTED WHITE+

TINTED WHITE

TINTED COLOUR

TINTED COLOUR

TINTED COLOUR

TINTED COLOUR

D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N-O
P-R
S-Z

The colour of your diamond is determined by comparison with a series of master stones, with most diamonds ranging in colour from colourless to slightly yellow. A perfect diamond has no colour at all (D colour, exceptional white +). Diamonds are also available in ‘fancy colours’, ranging from brownish to striking yellow, pink, purple, red, blue and green. There is also a grading scale for fluorescence as some diamonds react to UV light, ranging from nil, slight, medium to strong.

Clarity

VERY VERY SMALL INCLUSIONS

LOUPE CLEAN

VERY VERY SMALL INCLUSIONS

VERY SMALL INCLUSIONS

VERY SMALL INCLUSIONS

SMALL INCLUSIONS

SMALL INCLUSIONS

PIQUE

PIQUE

PIQUE

VVSI
LC
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
SI2
P1
P2
P3

Clarity refers to the diamond’s purity. All natural diamonds show traces of their growth history, which tend to be minor internal characteristics. The clarity scale reflects the size, number and location of these characteristics when examined with a 10x loupe. Diamonds that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye are of excellent quality. The very best – and rarest – clarity is called ‘loupe clean’ or ‘LC’. This means that no inclusions can be found when examining the diamond with a loupe.

Cut

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair

A diamond’s cut is essential to its beauty. The cut is divided into 3 grades: proportion, polish and symmetry. Each grade is evaluated according to 4 parameters: excellent, very good, good or fair. If the diamond is not well-cut, it will not interact with light as it should. A perfect cut equals more sparkle and fire with an even pattern of bright and dark areas.

Download HRD Antwerp’s 4Cs Printable Web Chart

ARABIC CHINESE DUTCH ENGLISH FRENCH GERMAN ITALIAN JAPANESE PORTUGES RUSSIAN SPANISH HINDI
Download Webchart

Shape

A common misunderstanding is that the term ‘diamond cut’ also refers to the diamond’s shape. Cut is what determines how well-cut your diamond is, whereas shape is the form into which it was cut. Diamonds can be cut into various shapes, the best-known being the round brilliant.

ROUND

PRINCESS

MARQUISE

OVAL

HEART

PEAR

EMERALD

CUSHION

The HRD Antwerp Cut Grade

The description of the Cut Grade on a grading report is divided into 3 grades: proportions, polish and symmetry. Each grade is evaluated according to 4 parameters: excellent, very good, good or fair.

PROPORTIONS

The Proportions determine the brilliance and the fire of a diamond.

POLISH

The Polish defines the quality of the finish of the facets.

SYMMETRY

The Symmetry describes the variations in the parameters which define the proportions.

HRD Antwerp – Cut Grade Chart

A common misunderstanding is that the term ‘diamond cut’ also refers to the diamond’s shape. Cut is what determines how well-cut your diamond is, whereas shape is the form into which it was cut. Diamonds can be cut into various shapes, the best-known of which is probably the round brilliant.

DOWNLOAD CUT GRADE CHART

Natural Diamond Grading Report

An HRD Antwerp Natural Diamond Grading Report is an objective report that confirms a polished natural diamond’s authenticity and provides a detailed description of its key characteristics, the so- called 4Cs: Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut.

Price List

Lab Standard Price

Antwerp Lab
India Lab
Dubai Lab

EXAMINATION

When registered in our lab, your diamond or jewellery will be thoroughly examined by our graders and will undergo the following steps:

WEIGHT

SCREENING

MEASUREMENT

FLUORESCENCE

COLOUR

CLARITY

CUT

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 100 points, which indicates the size. HRD Antwerp has extremely accurate scales that measure up to five figures after the decimal point.

The first step is to determine if your diamond is natural, laboratory-grown or treated. If a diamond does not pass the initial test, it will be directed to our research department to further determine its nature.

Your diamond is accurately measured in millimetres as mentioned below: minimum diameter – maximum diameter in mm x height in mm (example: 6.44 – 6.47 mm x 4.04 mm)

The fluorescence grade under long wave is mentioned in the report. For the “Natural Diamond Colour Grading Report” the fluorescence grade under short wave is also mentioned.

Most diamonds range in colour from colourless (‘D’) to tinted colour (‘Z’). The colour grade is determined by comparison with a series of master stones, the best grade being D.

All natural diamonds have traces of their growth history, which determines the diamond’s purity. In most gem-quality diamonds, these are minor internal characteristics or inclusions. The very best and rarest stones are graded ‘loupe clean’ or 'LC'.

A diamond’s cut is essential to its beauty and is a combination of craftsmanship and scientific knowledge. The right proportions, symmetry and polish create internal reflections that maximise a stone’s sparkle, brilliance and fire.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Take advantage of our additional services to add value to your diamond. For more information and prices, please consult our price lists or contact our helpdesk via e-mail: diamondlab@hrdantwerp.com or +32 3 222 06 25

HEARTS & ARROWS DIAMONDS

LASER INSCRIPTION

SEALING

Hearts & Arrows diamonds are precisely cut round brilliants that, when examined using a special viewer, display eight hearts through the pavilion of the diamond (from below) and eight arrows through the crown of the diamond (from above). The appearance of the pattern is a strong indicator of a top-quality cut.

o inscribe diamonds with lasers, HRD Antwerp uses high-quality excimer shortwave technology. It cannot be seen with the naked eye and consequently does not affect the diamond’s physical appearance or value. Laser inscription can either be used to match your diamond and its corresponding grading report or to customise your diamond with a personalised message or logo.

Sealing guarantees that an issued grading report and the corresponding diamond belong together, and it keeps the diamond safe from oil and dirt. The HRD Antwerp sealing is tamper-proof.

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Laboratory Grown Diamond Grading Report

Every diamond is tested to determine whether it is natural. If it is found to be laboratory grown, under disclosed conditions, we will issue a Laboratory Grown Diamond Grading Report, with this clear wording on the cover. The presence of the laser inscription is mentioned on the Grading Report, including a reference number and statement that the diamond has been laboratory grown. The same nomenclature as in a Natural Diamond Grading Report is used, with a detailed description of the 4Cs.

Price List

Lab Standard Price

Antwerp Lab
India Lab
Dubai Lab

EXAMINATION

When registered in our lab, your diamond or jewellery will be thoroughly examined by our graders and will undergo the following steps:

WEIGHT

SCREENING

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 100 points, which indicates the size. HRD Antwerp has extremely accurate scales that measure up to five figures after the decimal point.

The first step is to determine if your diamond is natural, laboratory-grown or treated. If a diamond does not pass the initial test, it will be directed to our research department to further determine its nature.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Take advantage of our additional services to add value to your diamond. For more information and prices, please consult our price lists or contact our helpdesk via e-mail: diamondlab@hrdantwerp.com or +32 3 222 06 25

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Jewellery Report

Our laboratory has the knowledge and instruments needed to thoroughly analyse your jewellery. An HRD Antwerp Jewellery Report is an official document in which a jewellery item is authenticated for different purposes, such as insurance, inheritance or purchase. It can also be used to determine the market value of a jewel. These reports provide a general description of the jewel, the diamonds it contains and the precious metals of which it is made.



If you want to know more about our prices and services for jewellery certification, please fill in the form. Thank you!



 
 
 
 


Price List

Lab Standard Price

EXAMINATION

When registered in our lab, your diamond or jewellery will be thoroughly examined by our graders and will undergo the following steps:

WEIGHT

SCREENING

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 100 points, which indicates the size. HRD Antwerp has extremely accurate scales that measure up to five figures after the decimal point.

The first step is to determine if your diamond is natural, laboratory-grown or treated. If a diamond does not pass the initial test, it will be directed to our research department to further determine its nature.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Take advantage of our additional services to add value to your diamond. For more information and prices, please consult our price lists or contact our helpdesk via e-mail: diamondlab@hrdantwerp.com or +32 3 222 06 25

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Natural Diamond Colour Grading Report

This grading report mentions the colour origin of your diamond and describes its colour characteristics, as well as its short- and long-wave luminescence.

Price List

Lab Standard Price

Antwerp Lab

EXAMINATION

When registered in our lab, your diamond or jewellery will be thoroughly examined by our graders and will undergo the following steps:

WEIGHT

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 100 points, which indicates the size. HRD Antwerp has extremely accurate scales that measure up to five figures after the decimal point.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Take advantage of our additional services to add value to your diamond. For more information and prices, please consult our price lists or contact our helpdesk via e-mail: diamondlab@hrdantwerp.com or +32 3 222 06 25

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Natural Diamond Identification Report

A special, pared-down grading report exclusively for diamonds under 1.00 ct.

Price List

Lab Standard Price

Antwerp Lab
India Lab
Dubai Lab

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Laboratory Grown Diamond Jewellery Report

Our laboratory has the knowledge and instruments needed to thoroughly analyse your jewellery.Every diamond of the jewellery piece is tested to determine whether it is natural or laboratory grown. If all diamonds set in the jewellery piece are found to be Laboratory Grown, under disclosed conditions, we will issue a Laboratory Grown Diamond Jewellery Report, with this clear wording on the cover. This report provides a general description of the jewellery, the laboratory grown diamonds it contains and the precious metals of which it is made.

 

If you want to know more about our prices and services for jewellery certification, please fill in the form. Thank you!

 

 
 
 
 

 

Price List

Lab Standard Price

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Jewellery Report (Compact)

A compact version of the jewellery report is available exclusively for jewellery containing less than 1.00 ct of diamonds (total weight)

If you want to know more about our prices and services for jewellery certification, please fill in the form. Thank you!

 
 
 
 


Price List

Lab Standard Price

SEE ALL RESEARCH & SERVICES

Client Registration

Submitting your diamonds or jewels

Our online KYC client registration makes it easy for you to register as a client and submit your diamonds and jewels.

ANTWERP

CLIENT KYC

DELEGATION FORM OR AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL FORM

PROFORMA INVOICE TEMPLATE

DIAMOND LIST FORM

JEWELLERY LIST FORM

MY HRD ANTWERP REGISTRATION FORM

DUBAI

CONSIGNMENT MEMO JEWELLERY

DELEGATION FORM OR AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL FORM

DIAMOND LIST FORM

JEWELLERY LIST FORM

MY HRD ANTWERP REGIUSTRATION FORM

CLIENT KYC

MUMBAI

MY HRD ANTWERP REGISTRATION FORM