Sell Your HRD Diamond

To distinguish a real diamond from a fake or to know the true value of a diamond, some laboratories produce analysis reports or certificates of authenticity. These reports detail all the characteristics of the diamond and can be very useful in case of sale or purchase. Among the gemological laboratories with recognized expertise are GIA, IGI, and HRD. The latter is certainly the most renowned in Europe, especially as it emphasizes preserving the anonymity of the diamond owner. Here we explain how HRD works and what its specific features are.

What does the acronym HRD mean?

The acronym HRD stands for the gemological laboratory Hoge Raad voor Diamant (translatable as "High Council for Diamond" in English). Based in Antwerp, Belgium, this laboratory is one of the most renowned in the world, alongside GIA, IGI, and the French Gemmological Laboratory. It is a private foundation.
Among the founders of HRD is the famous diamond dealer Ferstenberg.

HRD is especially known for its certifications: the laboratory offers analysis of your diamonds, allowing you to know their exact value (particularly in case of sale). It highlights the quality of its analyses (with ultra-precise cutting-edge technologies) as well as their impartiality, with a system that preserves the anonymity of the diamond owner.

The HRD certificate

HRD has developed a double-code system for diamond analysis. The principle is as follows: a first code is given to the diamond owner, and a second code follows the diamond within the laboratory. This system keeps the diamond owner anonymous and maintains the impartiality of the specialists.

To ensure the relevance of the analyses, a precise process is implemented by the laboratory. Several gemologists are responsible for estimating the quality of a diamond and then grading it, and senior gemologists randomly verify the grading that has been collectively decided.

Like GIA, HRD first examines the 4 Cs of the diamond:

• The carat weight is estimated very precisely, to the fifth decimal, in comparison with calibrated gemstones.
• The diamond's color is graded on a scale from colorless to yellow (equivalent to the D to Z letters of the GIA grading system).
• The diamond's clarity is analyzed in relation to its color. It ranges from Loupe Clean to P3 and depends on the number, size, and nature of inclusions present in the diamond. A diagram showing the diamond's inclusions is added to the certificate.
• The diamond's cut aims to analyze the diamond's proportions, which are graded on a scale from Very Good to Unusual. To analyze the diamond's proportions, gemologists notably study the pavilion depth, crown height, table width, and diamond thickness.

In addition to the 4 Cs, gemologists also analyze:

• The diamond's proportions, with precise measurements
• Fluorescence, i.e., the ability of a diamond to take on a bluish color when exposed to UV light
• The quality of the diamond's finish (from Very Good to Poor), particularly its polish.
• The diamond's origin is traced to ensure it is indeed natural.

Once the diamond is analyzed, an analysis report is issued. This report includes all the diamond's characteristics and can be customized, especially if you are a diamond seller or retailer and wish to add your branding to the report.

HRD issues different types of reports depending on your diamond type. Thus, there is a report dedicated to colored diamonds, a report dedicated to laboratory-grown diamonds (synthetic diamonds), and a report dedicated to treated diamonds. This allows further customization of the analysis reports and produces a relevant and objective certificate. At Diamantaires Paris OG, we prioritize natural diamonds.

Once issued, you can consult your diamond certificate at any time for 10 years.

Specific features of the HRD certificate

The HRD certificate has some specific terms that are not found in GIA or IGI certificates, for example, "Loupe clean," an expression used for pure stones (equivalent to "Internally flawless" on GIA reports).

Similarly, additional information is provided, such as the girdle height in % (in addition to thickness), or the crown and pavilion height percentages.

Conversely, some information does not appear on an HRD certificate while it is found on the GIA certificate, such as the total height percentage, or polish and symmetry.

The HRD analysis report also has the advantage of being tamper-proof thanks to the addition of numerous security features integrated and visible only under a loupe under UV light:

• A microtext that reads "HRD Antwerp" and forms a black border;
• Fluorescent marks (like on banknotes) across the entire report;
• A geometric structure engraved in the blue results box, which disappears if copied;
• The "HRD Antwerp Certified" hologram;
• A structured security paper with a unique number.

Sell a diamond with a laboratory certificate

So you wish to sell a diamond with an HRD certificate?

At Diamantaires Paris OG, we consider the HRD laboratory among our three preferred gemological laboratories.

It is also important to note that it is possible to sell a diamond without a certificate.
We buy your precious stones with immediate payment at our Paris premises.

Also, many individuals who have inherited diamonds from the 70s-80s with HRD certificates come with or without an appointment to our Paris premises to estimate or sell their jewelry.

For a free appraisal of your diamond, you can call us at:   or by email: [email protected]

I request an appraisal of my diamond

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HRD stands for Hoge Raad voor Diamant, a gemological laboratory based in Antwerp, Belgium, recognized for its diamond certifications. It is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and double-code system that preserves the diamond owner's anonymity.

HRD evaluates diamonds by focusing on the 4 Cs (carat, color, clarity, cut), as well as other aspects like fluorescence and finish. At Diamantaire Paris, diamonds are analyzed by several gemologists to ensure an accurate and impartial estimate.

Yes, Diamantaire Paris accepts diamonds with HRD certificates. They consider HRD one of their preferred gemological laboratories. It is also possible to sell diamonds without a certificate.

The HRD certificate uses specific terms like "Loupe clean" and provides detailed information such as girdle height. It differs from GIA in some aspects, such as the absence of certain measurements. The HRD certificate is also designed to be tamper-proof.

You can obtain a free and confidential appraisal of your diamond by visiting 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris, or by sending a pre-appraisal by email to [email protected]. It is recommended to come in person for a more precise evaluation.

Diamantaire Paris, recognized for its expertise in high-end jewelry, offers a comprehensive range of services for those looking to sell a piece of jewelry or obtain an accurate valuation of their precious stones. Our team of experts uses rigorous evaluation methods, including those of the HRD Laboratory, to ensure that each diamond is assessed at its true value.

For those who have inherited jewelry and wish to understand what to do with inherited jewelry, our team offers consultations to discuss options, whether it is selling, transforming, or keeping the pieces as an investment. Our expertise in jewelry from Place Vendôme guarantees that each client receives informed advice and an accurate valuation.

We understand that selling high-end jewelry, such as those by Van Cleef & Arpels, is often an emotional as well as financial decision. That is why we are committed to offering a discreet and personalized service, ensuring that each transaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

For those looking to sell specific pieces, such as a Tank ring or obtain a valuation of a 19th-century piece of jewelry, Diamantaire Paris offers unparalleled expertise. We understand the historical importance and intrinsic value of these pieces and are committed to obtaining the best price for our clients.

Visit our jewelry store in Paris to discover our exquisite collection or to benefit from our appraisal services. Whether you are looking to sell, buy, or simply explore the fascinating world of diamonds, we are here to guide you every step of the way.