HRD Antwerp is set to become the world's first diamond certification institute to stop issuing certificates for synthetic diamonds. According to a press release, the organisation intends to establish itself more firmly as an international centre for natural diamond trading and to boost consumer confidence by drawing a clear distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds.

This decision is intended to safeguard the future of the natural diamond sector and rebuild consumer trust. "As of 2026, we will no longer issue quality certificates for loose synthetic diamonds intended for commercial use," said Ellen Joncheere, CEO of HRD Antwerp.

A limited number of synthetic diamonds will still be analysed, but only for research purposes. Jewellery containing synthetic stones will continue to be eligible for certification.

Since 1973, the HRD Antwerp laboratory has been issuing certificates to verify the authenticity and quality of diamonds. For over a decade, the organisation, which has a presence in five locations around the world, has also offered certification for synthetic diamonds, which are lab-grown rather than mined.

While synthetic diamonds have grown in popularity rapidly in recent years, HRD Antwerp states that many consumers struggle to distinguish them from natural diamonds, leading to confusion and uncertainty. "By discontinuing certification for synthetic diamonds, HRD Antwerp is making the distinction unequivocal once again, while reaffirming Antwerp’s status as a centre for the natural diamond trade," the organisation concludes.