HRD Diamond Certification: Europe’s Leading Authority in Diamond Grading

For those who are somewhat familiar with diamonds and diamond grading the term, GIA is likely to be a familiar one. And with good reason, as the US diamond certification authority is the best recognised in the world of carbon-based gemstones, with its long history, global recognition and wide adoption.

Since that is the case, the question why should be another? Well were are not here to answer that question, rather our focus is on another top diamond certification company, that is set in Europe. And over the years has started to position itself as another top player in the diamond certification business.

In this Education page, we will provide an overview of HRD, what they stand for, their diamond certification methods, and how they differ in certain ways from the more popular GIA

What is HRD Diamond Certification?

Usually, we would start by talking about the key features of the company's diamond measurement standard. However with the HRD or as it is known in Flemish: “Hoge Raad Voor Diamant”, is a new term for many. And many readers would be curious to know what the company behind this certification method is, what sets it apart, and how it functions as a competing diamond certification standard for the better-known GIA.

The first thing to consider about HRD is that it is European. Set in Europe, in Antwerp in Belgium to be exact, it positions itself as a viable alternative to the US-based GIA. The origin of HRD certification is relatively recent, going back a number of decades. It began life in 1973, as a certification department, and over the years it underwent a number of organisational changes but eventually came to establish itself as a credible authority in Europe in contrast to the American one.

Despite its lack of popularity, the HRD is a sizeable enterprise and according to the International Diamond Council, it is considered to contain among the biggest if not the biggest diamond testing and certification laboratories in the world. The emergence and development of HRD in Europe were driven by similar factors; notably the need for an established authority in the heart of Europe.

The notable factor that sets the HRD diamond certification apart from the GIA is the different classification measures it adopts. Which we shall see next.

HRD Diamond Certification Method

Arguably the most significant difference between HRD and the GIA is how the European diamond certification company goes about certifying diamonds. HRD does not employ the 4Cs that we have come to know so well. So the fundamental way of determining diamond quality by analysing its colour, carat, cut and clarity does not exactly apply as it does according to the GIA scale.

According to the HRD diamond certification, the gemstone’s quality is measured according to its colour, which like the GIA is measured in the D – Z scale. When it comes to diamond clarity adopts a similar but different measure. With the flawless and internally flawless diamonds' clarity grades being replaced with LC or loupe clean; with the included diamond grades that make up the last diamonds in the list, are replaced by Piqué (P1): which breaks down into two other levels: P2 and P3. When it comes to the diamond carat, the same principles that are adopted by the GIA pretty much apply in the same way, with the weight of the stone being measured. And like the GIA, the HRD also adopts 10x magnification when determining gemstone quality.

In addition to the main quality measures, the HRD diamond certification also adds factors like the diamond’s fluorescence, its girdle size, finish grade etc. And each of these, one could say secondary diamond quality factors are measured according to the following levels: Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair.

Are HRD Certified Diamonds a Reliable Measure?

This is a tough question to answer. For those who are looking diamond engagement rings, knowing that your diamond is certificed is critical component. for depending on the jewellery company in question, the country of the buyer and his or her regional preference their opinions is likely to change. HRD which has a strong presence in Europe has naturally come under fire in the United States, with supporters of GIA and companies that are affiliated with its standard of measure questioning the standards and reliability of the HRD certification. This is not a debate we want to get into here. Since this is really an introduction to the HRD quality standard, we wish to limit our focus to the core features.

One important feature or potential advantage of the HRD system of diamond certification is how they operate on a level of anonymity: where the diamond owner and the HRD certification company work in the dark about the owner. This is meant to ensure the objectivity of the measure.

So when it comes to actually pick a diamond certification company the buyer is encouraged to make his/her own decision. However, it is worth pointing out that increasingly certain jewellery companies, choose to adopt dual certification: where GIA and HRD certifications are provided together. However, this is still a rarity and customers may have to shop around.

What Sets the HRD Certification Apart

One way to look at the difference between HRD and other major diamond certification companies (i.e. like the GIA) is to look at the certification reports. The HRD provides a visually different report. With the diamond report being marked with the HRD Antwerp report. HRD also provides for lab grown diamonds and in a somewhat new innovation diamond certification ID cards or reports which are made more accessible in that way. More can be said about HRD certification, but these are early days and these other major diamond certification companies we will be engaging in future posts.