Two New Jewelry-Certification Labs Launch in India

HRD Antwerp and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have each opened new jewelry-certification laboratories in India.

Belgian company HRD Antwerp has inaugurated its newest facility in Hyderabad, the company said last week. The new laboratory will offer certifications for diamond and gemstone jewelry, while also serving as a drop-off point for natural loose diamonds, which it will process under its central laboratory protocols, it added.

The lab perceives Hyderabad’s strong manufacturing and retail ecosystem as a strategic location for its development. The new office will allow local jewelers, manufacturers, and retailers to access grading services more quickly, according to HRD Antwerp. Ramakant Mitkar, managing director in India, represented the company at the launch, along with senior members of the leadership team.

Meanwhile, IGI launched its second location in Jaipur at the end of last month. The institute said it would provide its “full range” of certification services for diamonds, colored gemstones and jewelry, including determining origin and treatments using advanced analytical tools, it added.

The office, located in the gem- and jewelry-manufacturing hub of Sitapura in Jaipur, will also offer education programs at the IGI School of Gemology, which will aim to foster regional skill development and gemological knowledge.

Image: Cutting of the ribbons at the two new locations. (HRD Antwerp/International Gemological Institute)