This year, 2026, HRD Antwerp announced it will stop certifying loose lab-grown diamonds. At first glance, this may sound like a rejection of lab-grown diamonds.
But in reality, it’s something more nuanced.
With this decision, HRD Antwerp is choosing to return to its core focus: natural diamonds, which have always been at the center of its expertise and heritage in Europe. This move is less about declaring what is “right” or “wrong” and more about defining what an institution wants to stand for.
Different Laboratories, Different Paths
Not all gemological laboratories are approaching lab-grown diamonds in the same way. Institutions like GIA and IGI have chosen different paths, adapting their grading systems and terminology to reflect the growing presence of lab-grown diamonds in the market.
Each approach reflects a broader conversation within the industry:
how to define value
how to communicate transparency
and how to maintain trust
There is no single answer, only different philosophies.
What This Does (and Doesn’t) Mean
It’s important to be clear about what this decision does not mean.
A lab-grown diamond does not lose its brilliance because one laboratory steps away from grading it.
It does not suddenly become less beautiful or less valid.
Lab-grown diamonds remain a bright alternative for those who want to:
optimize size
maintain excellent light performance
and make intentional choices aligned with their priorities
The change lies in institutional positioning, not in the physical reality of the stone.
Beyond Origin: The Story Behind the Diamond
This moment reminds us of something essential:
Every person who chooses a diamond carries a different story.
Some are drawn to the rarity and natural formation of a mined diamond.
Others value innovation, accessibility, and modern production.
In the end, regardless of origin, what is given is never just a stone.
It is a gesture. A decision. A story being told.
And that story more than any certificate is what truly gives a diamond its meaning.
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