HRD Antwerp, the Antwerp-based diamond laboratory and subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), has announced its decision to cease certifying lab-grown diamonds (LGD) and focus exclusively on natural diamonds starting from 2026.
As of 2026, HRD will no longer issue quality certificates for loose synthetic diamonds intended for commercial use. It said however that certificates for jewellery containing synthetic diamonds will remain available.
“The move reaffirms Antwerp’s role as the international hub for natural diamond trading and marks a concrete step toward strengthening consumer trust by clearly distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds,” HRD said in a statement.
AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters lauded the decision, describing it as ‘historic’ and adding that ‘HRD Antwerp is sending a strong signal’.
“With its decision to stop issuing certificates for synthetic diamonds, HRD Antwerp is re-establishing clarity and reinforcing Antwerp’s position as the leading center for natural diamond trade,” HRD added.
HRD Antwerp was founded in 1973 as part of the Diamond High Council (HRD), an organization established at the initiative of the Belgian government and the diamond industry. In 2007, HRD was split into two separate entities: AWDC and HRD Antwerp.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
