HRD Antwerp has announced that it will cease issuing quality certificates for loose synthetic or lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), making it the first laboratory in the world to take this step. The lab will now exclusively certify natural diamonds, reaffirming Antwerp’s identity as the global hub for natural diamond trading.

A subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), HRD Antwerp has been certifying diamonds since 1973. This decisive shift marks a renewed commitment to preserving the integrity and value of natural diamonds in an increasingly synthetic-influenced market.

“As of 2026, we will no longer issue quality certificates for loose synthetic diamonds intended for commercial use,” Ellen Joncheere, CEO of HRD Antwerp, said. “In limited cases, we will continue to analyse synthetic diamonds, but strictly for research purposes. Jewellery containing synthetic stones will still be eligible for certification.”

According to Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of parent company AWDC, this is a historic decision. “By becoming the first diamond lab in the world to take an explicit and exclusive stance in favour of natural diamonds, HRD Antwerp is sending a strong signal. A clear distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds is essential to strengthen consumer trust and help safeguard the future of natural diamonds.”