All You Need To Know About HRD Diamond Certification Before You Buy A Diamond
If you are a diamond connoisseur, you’d know that diamond grading is as important as its look and sparkle are.
Hence, diamonds shouldn’t be purchased without diamond certification. International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are among the two most recognised diamond grading organizations across the world that grade all types of diamonds — mined and lab grown diamonds.
In Europe, there’s one more diamond grading organization that is recognised all across Europe — HRD.
In this article, we tell you all about HRD, its history, and whether it is a reliable grading entity. Read on!
HRD: History
Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) is a diamond grading organization, established in 1973, headquartered in Belgium. In Europe, the High Council for Diamonds is the next best alternative to GIA. The HRD supports the High Council for Diamonds. It has, over the years, transformed into a research center that has the permission to certify diamonds.
HRD diamond certificates include five different types of reports. It offers laser inscription for mined diamonds and is required on lab grown diamonds. HRD provides diamond screening, grading, inscribing and sealing. It does not provide diamond valuations or appraisals.
How does HRD grade diamonds?
Similar to IGI and GIA certificates, the HRD diamond report includes grading of the 4 Cs of diamonds — cut, clarity of diamonds, color, and carat of diamonds. In addition, it also includes fluorescence, finish, polish, symmetry, light reflection, proportion, and the overall aesthetic of the diamond.
The scale used to grade diamonds by HRD ranges from Excellent to Fair, with Fair being the lowest classification.
Here’s how HRD grades the 4 Cs of diamonds:
Color
Diamond color is rated based on colourlessness or whiteness. The HRD diamond certification grades diamond color on the scale of D to Z, D being the most colorless and Z being stones with a yellowish hue. The color difference of two adjacent color diamonds cannot be assessed via the naked eye. And hence, it’s important to grade them professionally.
Clarity
Diamond clarity is measured on the scale from Loupe Clean (flawless) to P3 (imperfect). This grading is based on the number, size, brightness, and location of the internal and external characteristics.
- LC (Loupe-clean)
- VVS1 (Very, Very Slightly Included 1)
- VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included 2)
- VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1)VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2)
- SI1 (Slightly Included 1)
- SI2 (Slightly Included 2)
- P1 (Piqué (or Included) 1)
- P2 (Piqué (or Included) 2)
- P3 (Piqué (or Included) 3)
Carat
Carat is the weight of the diamond in relation to its size. Carat diamond grading is standard across all methods of diamond grading entities, including HRD. Diamond’s carat weight is measured with the help of scales. It is noted up to the fifth decimal.
Cut
To grade diamond cut, HRD measures key factors, such as:
- Proportion: the factor that lends diamonds its sparkle
- Polish: shows the finish of diamond facets
- Symmetry: provides diamonds its balanced look
HRD diamond certificate structure
There are two documents that validate diamonds graded by HRD:
1. HRD diamond certificate: It includes clarity diamond grading, cut, color, and carat diamond grading.
2. HRD diamond identification report: It includes a graphic representation and usually is for small diamonds that are less than 1 carat.
Is HRD diamond grading reliable?
Diamond experts are of the opinion that HRD diamond grading cannot be compared to the high levels of professionalism of GIA and IGI. HRD diamond certification is prone to inconsistent practices, which results in overpricing of the diamonds.
Compared to GIA’s methods, HRD’s specialists look for consensus from other grading organizations and use complicated equipment. Besides, HRD is known to favor diamond dealers. In comparison, GIA keeps the consumers’ interest at the center of their grading process.
Owing to the above reasons, diamond experts suggest it is better to consider diamond grading certification from the more reputed and recognized organizations such as GIA and IGI rather than HRD diamond certification.
Final thoughts
While HRD certification is well known in Europe, diamond experts have often pointed at flaws and inconsistencies in the HRD diamond grading methods and intentions. Even though HRD has worked hard to be considered as a recognized diamond grading organization, experts suggest it fails to keep the end consumers’ interest in its process, and rather supports diamond dealers’ interests.
However, if you want to get your diamonds graded, you could easily do so. HRD invites customers to get their diamonds graded via an online form. It also provides additional services such as laser inscription, sealing, and other services for diamonds as well as jewelry.
{"AutoID":86,"DateCreation":"\/Date(1678691137663)\/","DateModified":"\/Date(1701257644943)\/","CreatedBy":null,"ModifiedBy":"Rahul Bohra ","RecordStatus":"A","Title":"All You Need To Know About HRD Diamond Certification Before You Buy A Diamond","SubTitle":null,"Description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are a diamond connoisseur, you\u0026rsquo;d know that diamond grading is as important as its look and sparkle are.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHence, diamonds shouldn\u0026rsquo;t be purchased without \u003cstrong\u003ediamond certification\u003c/strong\u003e. International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are among the two most recognised diamond grading organizations across the world that grade all types of diamonds \u0026mdash; mined and lab grown diamonds.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Europe, there\u0026rsquo;s one more diamond grading organization that is recognised all across Europe \u0026mdash; HRD.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this article, we tell you all about HRD, its history, and whether it is a reliable grading entity. Read on!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHRD: History\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) is a diamond grading organization, established in 1973, headquartered in Belgium. In Europe, the High Council for Diamonds is the next best alternative to GIA. The HRD supports the High Council for Diamonds. It has, over the years, transformed into a research center that has the permission to certify diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHRD diamond certificates include five different types of reports. It offers laser inscription for \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/your-lab-grown-diamond-is-as-real-as-mined-its-official/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000cd\"\u003emined diamonds\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e and is required on \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/facts-about-lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000cd\"\u003elab grown diamonds\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e. HRD provides diamond screening, grading, inscribing and sealing. It does not provide diamond valuations or appraisals.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does HRD grade diamonds?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar to IGI and GIA certificates, the HRD diamond report includes grading of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/the-4cs-of-diamond-grading-all-you-need-to-know-grown-diamond-corp/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000cd\"\u003e4 Cs of diamonds\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; \u003cstrong\u003ecut, clarity of diamonds, color, and carat of diamonds\u003c/strong\u003e. In addition, it also includes fluorescence, finish, polish, symmetry, light reflection, proportion, and the overall aesthetic of the diamond.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe scale used to grade diamonds by HRD ranges from Excellent to Fair, with Fair being the lowest classification.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s how HRD grades the 4 Cs of diamonds:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDiamond color is rated based on colourlessness or whiteness. The HRD diamond certification grades \u003cstrong\u003ediamond color on the scale of D to Z\u003c/strong\u003e, D being the most colorless and Z being stones with a yellowish hue. The color difference of two adjacent color diamonds cannot be assessed via the naked eye. And hence, it\u0026rsquo;s important to grade them professionally.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClarity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDiamond clarity is measured on the scale from Loupe Clean (flawless) to P3 (imperfect). This grading is based on the number, size, brightness, and location of the internal and external characteristics.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eLC (Loupe-clean)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eVVS1 (Very, Very Slightly Included 1)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eVVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included 2)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eVS1 (Very Slightly Included 1)VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSI1 (Slightly Included 1)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSI2 (Slightly Included 2)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eP1 (Piqu\u0026eacute; (or Included) 1)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eP2 (Piqu\u0026eacute; (or Included) 2)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eP3 (Piqu\u0026eacute; (or Included) 3)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarat\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCarat is the weight of the diamond in relation to its size. Carat diamond grading is standard across all methods of diamond grading entities, including HRD. Diamond\u0026rsquo;s carat weight is measured with the help of scales. It is noted up to the fifth decimal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCut\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo grade diamond cut, HRD measures key factors, such as:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eProportion: the factor that lends diamonds its sparkle\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ePolish: shows the finish of diamond facets\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSymmetry: provides diamonds its balanced look\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHRD diamond certificate structure\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two documents that validate diamonds graded by HRD:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. HRD diamond certificate\u003c/strong\u003e: It includes clarity diamond grading, cut, color, and carat diamond grading.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. HRD diamond identification report\u003c/strong\u003e: It includes a graphic representation and usually is for small diamonds that are less than 1 carat.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs HRD diamond grading reliable?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDiamond experts are of the opinion that HRD diamond grading cannot be compared to the high levels of professionalism of GIA and IGI. \u003cstrong\u003eHRD diamond certification\u003c/strong\u003e is prone to inconsistent practices, which results in overpricing of the diamonds.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to GIA\u0026rsquo;s methods, HRD\u0026rsquo;s specialists look for consensus from other grading organizations and use complicated equipment. Besides, HRD is known to favor diamond dealers. In comparison, GIA keeps the consumers\u0026rsquo; interest at the center of their grading process.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOwing to the above reasons, diamond experts suggest it is better to consider diamond grading certification from the more reputed and recognized organizations such as GIA and IGI rather than HRD diamond certification.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal thoughts\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile HRD certification is well known in Europe, diamond experts have often pointed at flaws and inconsistencies in the HRD diamond grading methods and intentions. Even though HRD has worked hard to be considered as a recognized diamond grading organization, experts suggest it fails to keep the end consumers\u0026rsquo; interest in its process, and rather supports diamond dealers\u0026rsquo; interests.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nHowever, if you want to get your diamonds graded, you could easily do so. HRD invites customers to get their diamonds graded via an online form. It also provides additional services such as laser inscription, sealing, and other services for diamonds as well as jewelry.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","FromDate":null,"ToDate":null,"Image_Url":"1jpegRZKRPMGPEX.jpeg","Image_Alt":"HRD Diamond Certification","KeyWords":"diamond grading, diamond buying guide, diamond education, HRD diamond certification","MetaDescription":"Discover the importance of HRD diamond certification before you purchase a diamond. Our blog will teach you everything you need to know about diamond certification, the HRD certification process, and how to interpret an HRD diamond certificate. Get expert advice from Grown Diamond Corporation to make an informed decision.","MetaTitle":"All You Need To Know About HRD Diamond Certification Before You Buy A Diamond","CanonicalLink":null,"MetaContent":"\u003c!-- Open Graph / Facebook --\u003e\r\n\u003cmeta property=\"og:type\" content=\"website\"\u003e\r\n\u003cmeta property=\"og:url\" content =\" https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-hrd-diamond-certification-before-you-buy-a-diamond/\"\u003e\r\n\u003cmeta property=\"og:title\" content=\"All You Need To Know About HRD Diamond Certification Before You Buy A Diamond | Grown Diamond Corporation\"\u003e\r\n\u003cmeta property=\"og:description\" content=\" Discover the importance of HRD diamond certification before you purchase a diamond. 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