RAPAPORT… HRD Antwerp has closed its equipment division, effective June 9, as part of a restructuring of the Belgian grading laboratory.
The organization will increase its focus on its grading and education services, CEO Ellen Joncheere said in a statement Tuesday. The equipment division — which specializes in machines for detection, examination and manufacturing — will continue to sell diamond-polishing paste.
“Our aim will be to diversify and focus more on our grading services for natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, jewelry grading and new grading-related services,” Joncheere said. “On the education front, we will be launching new courses via the e-learning module in addition to the current courses conducted globally.”
Joncheere joined HRD Antwerp as CEO in January. She embarked on a turnaround strategy for the organization after its owner, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, shelved plans to sell the lab.
Image: An HRD Antwerp jewelry grading report. (HRD Antwerp)
HRD Shuts Equipment Unit in Reorganization
The Bottom Line
- HRD Antwerp shut its equipment division on June 9 as part of a restructuring.
- The company will concentrate on grading services for natural and lab-grown diamonds, jewelry, and related new services.
- HRD plans to expand its education offerings with new e-learning courses alongside existing global programs.
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