HRD Diamond Certification: What You Need to Know Before Purchasing

Are you looking to find out more information about a diamond to either buy or sell? Diamond Certification is a document you receive from a reputable source that describes a diamond in all of its characteristics. HRD Certification and graded diamonds are as equal as that of GIA. HRD graded diamonds are usually priced much higher than equivalent diamonds graded by the GIA. This allows for significant profits to be made by diamond companies.

Founded in 1973 as Hoge Raad voor Diamant, HRD issues certificates for diamonds and gemstones primarily in Europe. HRD is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium and its chief shareholder is the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). Not generally regarded as a legitimate alternative in the United States, HRD still claims to be the authority for diamond grading in the world.

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HRD Certification

HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) is a diamond grading organization based in Europe. Not generally regarded as a legitimate alternative in the United States, HRD still claims to be the authority for diamond grading in the world.

The clear difference between the grading demonstrates that it’s not prudent to compare apples to apples among lab entities. Simply put, an F Color grading given by HRD will not mean the same as a GIA F Color diamond.

Diamond Certification

Consistency 

• When it comes to comparing lab grading entities, it’s more important to watch for consistency than strictness of grading. Rather than simply comparing grades between certifications, look for consistency within the entity’s grading decisions.
• For example, the GIA (Gemology Institute of America) will not grade a diamond the same way the IGI (International Gemological Institute) rates a diamond. The reliability of the color, clarity, and cut grades are only as good as the certifying lab’s reputation.

Subjective

• All diamond grading is subjective there is not a central organization that mathematically defines what a “G” Color is or what an “SI1” Clarity looks like.
• It’s important to note that even when an entity is consistent in its grading, it doesn’t necessarily mean the entity is reliable and trustworthy. Buying a diamond with a weak certificate at a high price point is not prudent—even if the entity consistently grades diamonds this way—because you are not getting the value for the price you’re paying.

Considering the price over the certification

• Regardless of the certificate you receive, the price of the diamond should be heavily evaluated. The price should reflect the actual quality, beauty and cut of the diamond, both on the certificate and to the naked eye.
• If you’re unsure if a diamond is priced well or too high, be sure to have a diamond expert review it before purchasing.

Different certification labs give different results

• Every lab has its flaws. Some are looser in grading color, while others are looser with rating clarity. Some labs will always upgrade specific color ranges, while others favor particular arrangements of inclusions.
• Smart diamond companies use this knowledge, gained from sending thousands of diamonds to different labs each month, to maximize their results. Knowing which labs are trustworthy and consistent will help you avoid purchasing a diamond worth much less than what the certificate is stating to be true.

A Diamond Certification evaluates diamonds on a variety of qualities and elements, including:

• Diamond’s evaluation date
• Measurements (in millimeters)
• Cutting style and diamond shape
• Carat weight
• Table %
• Depth %
• Culet size
• Symmetry
• Proportion diagram
• Polish grade
• Girdle thickness
• Cut grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Poor)
• Color grade (ranging from D to J)
• Clarity grade (IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2)
• Diamond plot showing all blemishes and inclusions
• Fluorescence grade
• Laser inscription (if applicable)
• Security features
• General comments

In addition to standard diamond certificates, HRD offers the following:

• Treated diamond grading report
• Laboratory-grown diamond grading report
• Preliminary diamond examinations
• Laser inscription
• Sealing
• Repolished diamonds
• HRD Antwerp Express

If you live in Europe, James Allen offers free overseas shipping and great conditions for overseas buyers.

Bottom Line

When looking to get a diamond certification, the top labs that are recommended are GIA or AGS because their grading is consistent, reliable and trustworthy. Well-known diamond retailers like James Allen and Blue Nile work closely with these labs. I would not recommend using HRD as your primary certification and grading report. It is always good to have more than one opinion on something as important as a diamond and so getting an HRD certification as your 4th or 5th report to use as comparison is recommended.

Because of GIA’s high reputation, proven consistency and history, we recommend only buying diamonds with a GIA or AGS certificate. If you would like to shop from one of the best Diamond Companies, you should stop by and check out Blue Nile Diamonds, James Allen Diamonds, and Whiteflash Diamonds.

Good luck with your diamond purchasing and be sure to come back to HustlerMoneyBlog for all of your financial needs!

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