HRD Antwerp offers refined cut grade
Diamond lab adds new grading criteria, 'excellent' cut grade
July 08, 2008
Antwerp, Belgium—After years of research and market consultation, HRD Antwerp has introduced a refined cut grade to its diamond-grading system.
Instead of reporting about two criteria—proportions and finish—the HRD Antwerp Diamond Lab will now assess diamond cut according to three criteria: proportions, symmetry and polish.
In addition, HRD Antwerp is now introducing an "excellent" cut grade to its "very good" cut grade.
According to HRD Antwerp General Manager Georges Brys, the organization needed to adjust its system because diamond dealers felt there was a discrepancy in grading terminology between different diamond labs.
Brys also noted that the introduction of an "excellent" cut grade does not imply that the "very good" cut grade will be downgraded.
"On the contrary, we have upgraded part of the top-level cuts which, before, would get a 'very good' grade," Brys said in a media release issued on Tuesday.
HRD Antwerp says its cut-grade system is founded on extensive research on hundreds of thousands of diamonds; is based upon an optimal optical performance; is fully transparent and consultable; and has standards and criteria that are checked with diamond dealers and manufacturers.
The new cut grade goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2009.
HRD Antwerp will hold a symposium on its HRD Antwerp Cut Grade on July 17 at 5:00 p.m. at its headquarters. For more information, contact Veerle Van Esbroeck at veerle.van.esbroeck@hrdantwerp.be. Registration is required.
HRD Antwerp NV is a subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, the private foundation formerly known as the Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD). HRD Antwerp operates the Diamond Lab, the Precious Stones Lab, Education, Graduates Club, Equipment and Research.
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