What is an HRD Certificate?
Key Takeaways
- When looking at a piece of jewelry with a certificate. Have you ever wondered what a HRD certificate is? Do you understand its role in that document? If not, or if you're...
When looking at a piece of jewelry with a certificate. Have you ever wondered what a HRD certificate is? Do you understand its role in that document? If not, or if you're unsure, that's okay. Take some time with us and follow the article below. It will surely bring you the information you need.
What is an HRD Certificate?
The HRD certificate (HRD Antwerp) is a diamond quality certification issued by the High Council for Diamond Belgium (Hoge Raad voor Diamant). Established in 1973 in Antwerp – the "diamond capital" of the world, HRD is the leading authority ensuring transparency and legal value for diamonds through rigorous appraisal processes.
- Origin: Belongs to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).
- Role: Verifies the natural origin, physical characteristics, and commercial value of diamonds based on international standards (IDC).
Figure 1: The birth of the HRD certificate
In 2007, HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) was renamed HRD Antwerp. This is considered the leading body, holding a crucial role in diamond certification and appraisal. The appraisal will be based on strict and extremely demanding standards set by the International Diamond Council (IDC). Notably, in addition to supervision, this agency also issues HRD certificates for diamonds and gemstones that meet the standards.
What criteria does an HRD certificate use to evaluate diamonds?
A diamond will be issued an HRD certificate after meeting all 4 given criteria. Those 4 criteria include:
Carat (Value of the diamond's weight)
To measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones, experts use the unit Carat (ct). 1 carat is equal to 200 milligrams and 0.2 grams. The weight and size of the stone will be carefully measured. Then, detailed specifications will be reported on the HRD certificate. Based on the diamond's weight, you can classify it. At the same time, it helps you assess the diamond's value along with other Cs (Cut, Clarity, Color).
Clarity (Value of the diamond's purity)
The value of purity assesses the cleanliness of the diamond. The level of cleanliness is based on factors such as the position, size, number, and impact of flaws on the diamond. These flaws are divided into 2 types. Internal characteristics (Inclusion) and external characteristics (Blemish).
Figure 2: Evaluation of diamond purity
The HRD certificate evaluates diamond purity according to the following scales:
- LC/FL: Loupe–clean/Flawless.
- VVS1: Very and Very Slightly Included 1.
- VVS2: Very and Very Slightly Included 2.
- VS1: Very Slightly Included 1.
- VS2: Very Slightly Included 2.
- SI1: Slightly Included 1.
- SI2: Slightly Included 2.
- P1/I1: Piqué (or Included) 1.
- P2/I2: Piqué (or Included) 2.
- P3/I3: Piqué (or Included) 3.
Cut and Proportions (Value of the cut and proportions)
For the HRD certificate, the cut of a diamond is graded on a scale from poor to ideal. In addition, they pay extreme attention to proportions, polish, and symmetry. Each factor is evaluated based on the following scale:
- Fair.
- Good.
- Very Good.
- Excellent.
- Ideal.
Color (Value of color)
Similar to GIA's diamond color grading criteria, for HRD certificates, diamonds are ranked on a scale from D–Z. Diamond colors are classified as follows.
>- Colourless: colorless, pure white (this is color grade D, E, F).
- Near Colourless: nearly colorless, rare white (color grade G, H).
- Near Colourless Slightly Tinted: nearly colorless and faint white (color grade I, J).
- Faint Yellow: very faint yellow (color grade K – M).
- Very Light Yellow: light yellow (color grade N – R).
- Light Yellow: yellow (color grade S – Z).
- Fancy: Colored Diamonds.
Value of the HRD Appraisal Certificate
The HRD certificate plays a crucial role for each diamond. Having this certificate will help consumers feel confident when buying, selling, and using diamonds.
Figure 3: The HRD certificate plays a very important role in evaluating the value of a diamond
Therefore, choose businesses that provide diamonds with complete documentation to avoid buying low-quality diamonds at the price of genuine diamonds.
We hope the information in this article will help you better understand what an HRD certificate is. If you are looking for a reputable and trustworthy diamond buying and selling address, visit Jemmia today. With many years of operation in the diamond and gemstone industry, Jemmia is committed to providing customers with high-quality products and the most beautiful designs. Please contact Jemmia so we can serve you.
