HRD laboratory

[misssoph]

Hi, I was wondering if you could help me. I have been looking at some stones. One of the places I have been looking at Diamondexchange.com seems to have most of their stones with HRD certificates, and these seem to be lower priced than the GIA and the AGS ones. Who is HRD, and where are they. Are they a bit like EGL and grade less tightly .
Thanks

 

[Lauren Q]

Hello,

HRD stands for Hoge Raad voor Diamant or "Diamond High Council." It was established in Antwerp in 1973. HRD certificates are issued based on international standards.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

HRD is a good lab, a first tier lab in my opinion (I consider GIA, AGS and HRD to be the three labs which compose the "first tier").

I find HRD's grading to usually be on par with GIA, and indeed in high color D-F stones possibly even more strict in their grading. Their cut grading though doesn't seem to be as exacting as GIA or AGS.

Sounds like you might pick up a bargain buying an HRD stone, but be sure to pay attention that it's not the cut creating the price disparity.

Make your purchase contingent upon it appraising out to your satisfaction with the independent appraiser of your choice, and you should be safe.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/24/2009 7:51:16 PM
Author:misssoph
Hi, I was wondering if you could help me. I have been looking at some stones. One of the places I have been looking at Diamondexchange.com seems to have most of their stones with HRD certificates, and these seem to be lower priced than the GIA and the AGS ones. Who is HRD, and where are they. Are they a bit like EGL and grade less tightly .
Thanks

HRD are not so well known outside Europe, they are a reputable lab.