BE PROUD OF
Belgium
Since 1447, Antwerp has been synonymous with quality diamonds and superior craftsmanship. Already then, the world’s leading diamond centre secured a well regulated market that won the absolute confidence of traders and consumers.
The Antwerp Diamond Heritage reveals the creative dynamism behind the diamond industry; unravelling the mysteries and beauty of the diamond, all of which has the makings of a compelling story.
1446
Passion for diamonds
Until the 15th century, only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. Charles VII King of France broke the rules for his paramour, the very first woman to wear diamond jewellery.
Crafting the Master Cut
Lodewijck van Bercken, a mid-15th century diamond polisher, was said to have discovered the process of working one diamond with the aid of another and was thus credited with the invention of polishing. He was instructed by Charles the Bold to work three diamonds: the first was the famous Sancy, worn by the Sovereign. The second, a brilliant invented for Pope Sixtus IV and the third, a triangular diamond mounted in a ring that was later presented as a token of appreciation to the French King, Louis XI.
1447
A living Testament
The very first document concerning the Antwerp diamond trade is the decree against the sale of false stones of 1447 an official warning that “no one within the city of Antwerp was to buy, sell, pawn or pass on any false stones imitating diamonds, rubies, emerald or sapphires, …”
Already in that time, Antwerp had secured a well regulated market which won the absolute confidence of diamond traders and consumers.
Object of Desire
The first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. When Mary said “Yes” the tradition, of a diamond ring as symbol for eternal love and happiness, was born.
1515
The Rise of Antwerp
The 16th century, the golden age of Antwerp marks the rise of Antwerp as the world diamond centre. The diamond industry, established in the 15th century expanded considerably and secured a permanent position for Antwerp in the international trade.
1630
Rubens & Diamonds
Antwerp inspires. In the past decades, this prosperous city has produced many of the world’s most famous old masters, such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens and many more.
Rubens had also a lifelong affair with diamonds. His treasure trove of diamonds suggested that he had more than a passing interest in all that glitters. His second wife, Helene Fourment, wore several diamonds and precious stones from Rubens’ private collection on their wedding day in 1630.
1751
The Art of Polishing
As technology progressed, the diamond polishing techniques evolved. An example of an Antwerp polishing workshop around mid-17th century depicts a hand cutter rubbing two diamonds against each other while the polisher stands near the scaif and applies oil to his brush. A third worker operates the mill. These 17th century techniques used in the Antwerp workshops still form the basis of today’s diamond polishing factories.
1893
HRD Antwerp Diamond Lab founded
The HRD Antwerp diamond lab is founded. Since then it has grown into one of the most respected diamond grading labs worldwide.
1905
The Antwerp Diamond Square Mile
For centuries, diamonds were traded downtown Antwerp. Smooth train-traffic was indispensable for the international diamond trade. Foreign merchants came and went. No wonder that the trade moved to the station’s neighborhood and the diamond quarter took shape in the shadow of this railway cathedral.
1919
Cut in Antwerp
In 1919 an Antwerp master cutter refined the brilliant cut. The cut consists of 57 facets. “Cut in Antwerp”, the trade mark for perfectly polished diamonds.
1973
HRD the Hallmark Brand, known as Hoge Raad voor Diamant
The Diamond High Council (HRD) was established in response to the needs of the Antwerp diamond sector.
1976
HRD Antwerp Diamond Lab founded
The HRD Antwerp diamond lab is founded. Since then it has grown into one of the most respected diamond grading labs worldwide.
2000
Antwerp Says No to Conflict Diamonds
In order to curb the trade in conflict diamonds, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution which launched an international self-regulatory system, called the Kimberly Process.
2006
Opening of representative office in Hong Kong
The sales of luxury goods are increasing fast in China, especially in the diamond industry. That is why HRD Antwerp decided to open a representative office in Hong Kong to provide qualitative service to its Chinese clients.
2007
HRD rebranded as HRD Antwerp
In 2007, HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) was split in the AWDC (Antwerp World Diamond Centre) and HRD Antwerp, its commercial subsidiary, servicing the international diamond industry. AWDC acts as the spokesman and coordinator of all activities in the diamond sector. HRD Antwerp is Europe’s leading authority in diamond certification.
2012
Opening of the HRD Antwerp lab in Mumbai
The demand for HRD Antwerp services worldwide has grown steadily over the years, especially in India. The expansion of HRD Antwerp’s lab in Mumbai allows the company to provide a faster and more convenient service to Indian diamond companies. It also shows HRD Antwerp’s commitment to fundamentally strengthening the ties between the world’s leading diamond trading center – Antwerp – and the Bharat Diamond Bourse – one of the world’s largest diamond bourses.
2014
HRD Antwerp Launches Tel Aviv Diamond Grading Pick-Up Service
HRD Antwerp NV, operator of the HRD diamond grading lab, is expanding its direct client service beyond the Belgian diamond centre with the introduction of HRD Lab Link, a pick up certification service for the Israeli diamond sector.
2015
Madrid-based gemmological laboratory Gemacyt appointed official HRD Antwerp partner
In 2015 GEMACYT Gemmological Laboratory, an independent, private company specialised in the certification of precious stones and jewellery, was officially appointed as an HRD Antwerp Partner. For over twenty years, HRD Antwerp and GEMACYT have been working together closely whereby GEMACYT operated as an official sales agent for HRD Antwerp’s gemmology courses and equipment and functioned as a drop-off point for diamonds and diamond jewellery to be certified in the HRD Antwerp Diamond lab.
2017
Inauguration of a new lab and office in Mumbai
In April 2017, HRD Antwerp officially inaugurated its new lab & office premises in Mumbai. This expansion underscores HRD Antwerp’s commitment to fundamentally strengthening the ties between the world’s leading diamond trading center – Antwerp – and the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) – one of the world’s largest diamond bourses.
2018
Opening of a jewellery grading lab in SEEPZ and an office in BDB
In March 2018, HRD Antwerp opened a jewellery grading lab in the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai, established for manufacturers exporting to various international locations, as well as a new office in the BDB. This opening emphasises HRD Antwerp’s commitment to strengthening the ties between the world’s leading diamond trading centre – Antwerp – and the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) – one of the world’s largest diamond bourses.
2019
Opening of a drop-off point in London’s Hatton Garden
HRD Antwerp extends its activities into the UK market with the opening of a new drop-off point in June 2018. Loose diamonds and diamond jewellery can be brought or shipped to the drop-off point. The diamonds are then sent to HRD Antwerp’s grading lab for comprehensive testing and grading, before being returned to London.
2022
Opening of HRD Antwerp DMCC
Our newly opened lab in Dubai offers diamond and jewellery certification as well as education. Located in the heart of the Dubai diamond district, HRD Antwerp DMCC caters to the MENA region.
