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1447: Antwerp & diamonds

Diamonds have long held the fascination of every man and woman. Since 1447, Antwerp has been synonymous with quality diamonds, superior craftsmanship and integrity. Already then, the world’s leading diamond centre secured a well-regulated market that won the absolute confidence of traders and consumers. Today HRD Antwerp makes it its first priority to enhance consumer confidence of diamond traders and consumers.
Since the 15th century, Antwerp has a long and rich tradition as a diamond city. Uncountable millions of carats of diamonds have passed through the city over the past 556 years. And of course, many millions of carats continue to enter and leave the city annually and buyers benefit from the fact that Antwerp’s diamond trade can cater to literally every taste and at the best price.

1973: HRD ANTWERP creating authentic experiences

HRD Antwerp is one of the oldest education centres on diamonds and gemstones. In 51 years, we educated more than 240.000 students in different locations around the world. In any centre of excellence, you can become a diamond grader, a gemmologist or jewellery designer or practice your skillsets and learn additional techniques or updates in your field of expertise.

2018: From Antwerp to the rest of the world

Historically, Antwerp was the centre of all our education initiatives. Today we have 3 education centres run from our main labs in Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai.

But besides these main labs, we are active with education facilitators all over the world. Trusted partners that collaborate with HRD Antwerp, trained in our standards and methodology, helping us spreading knowledge and expertise all over the globe.

Our facilitators comply with the highest standards and understand the mission of HRD Antwerp centres of excellence: educate and share the passion for diamonds and gemstones worldwide.

2024: Introducing online and pre-recorded courses

The world has changed and since COVID, working from home and following courses online are skyrocketed. As HRD Antwerp, we don't stay behind. We created a new online offering for our students, where they can follow classes from the comfort of their home or another location worldwide.

Wit CDG and jewellery design as our first online courses, we also started offering them as pre-recorded courses. Not everybody has the possibility to create free time for a long-extended period of time. For them we created pre-recorded versions for the convenience of students that want to learn the basics on their own time. Beware, pre-recorded versions are never a substitute for the real academic courses in one of our own centres of education.

2025: Introducing innovative microscopes and lamps

As part of our mission to educate, we see it as a duty to keep innovating. HRD Antwerp has always been a leader in the industry on microscopes and lamps. In 2025 we launch our newest microscopes and lamps that will blow away your mind. These microscopes are the first in their kind, making it possible to invite others to watch what is under the microscope from another part of the world.

With its different light settings, including diffused light, it's the first microscope that is suited for diamonds, gemstones and jewellery. You can check out our latest tech innovations in the equipment section on the HRD Antwerp corporate website.