HRD Antwerp, part of Antwerp World Diamond Center [AWDC] said it will stop grading Lab Grown Diamonds and will only issue certificates for lab grown diamond jewellery. This move came in the wake of GIA doing away with the 4C’s for grading LGD’s and using “premium” or “Standard” as terminologies related to grading LGD’s. By stopping to grade LGD’s HRD wants a clear distinction between Natural and Lab grown diamonds.

HRD Antwerp has thus sent a strong signal in the Industry that Industry sources say is important to strengthen consumer confidence in Natural Diamonds and the differentiation between Natural and Lab grown Diamonds.