GradingSep 14, 2021
Investigation Into Fraudulent GIA Reports Continues in India GradingSep 23, 2021
Another Diamond With Fake GIA Inscription Surfaces
Graders at HRD Antwerp found this one, a HPHT-treated natural diamond inscribed with the report number of an untreated stone.
This 1.50-carat diamond was submitted to HRD Antwerp inscribed with a GIA report number for an untreated natural diamond. However, HRD Antwerp graders determined through testing that it is an HPHT-treated diamond with a fake inscription. (Photo courtesy of HRD Antwerp)
Antwerp—Another diamond with a counterfeit GIA report number inscription has surfaced, this time at a lab in Antwerp.
HRD Antwerp reported this week that it recently analyzed a 1.50-carat diamond submitted to its lab.
The diamond was identified as Type IIa—meaning they contain no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities, a rarity for natural diamonds—which raised an immediate red flag for the lab.
HRD Antwerp said Type IIa diamonds are always “investigated extensively” to ensure they are natural diamonds without any color enhancements.
During testing, lab graders discovered the diamond had indeed undergone high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treatment even though the GIA grading report that corresponded with the inscription number made no mention of color treatment.
Upon detailed microscopic investigation, graders noticed that even though the stone’s carat weight, cut and final clarity grade (VS1) matched the report, the clarity characteristics, while “quite similar,” did not match up exactly.
“Since these characteristics are a unique fingerprint of the diamond, the inscription was conclusively identified as false,” HRD Antwerp said.
Related stories will be right here …
HRD Antwerp reported this week that it recently analyzed a 1.50-carat diamond submitted to its lab.
The diamond was identified as Type IIa—meaning they contain no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities, a rarity for natural diamonds—which raised an immediate red flag for the lab.
HRD Antwerp said Type IIa diamonds are always “investigated extensively” to ensure they are natural diamonds without any color enhancements.
During testing, lab graders discovered the diamond had indeed undergone high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treatment even though the GIA grading report that corresponded with the inscription number made no mention of color treatment.
Upon detailed microscopic investigation, graders noticed that even though the stone’s carat weight, cut and final clarity grade (VS1) matched the report, the clarity characteristics, while “quite similar,” did not match up exactly.
“Since these characteristics are a unique fingerprint of the diamond, the inscription was conclusively identified as false,” HRD Antwerp said.
The report out of Antwerp is one in a string of recent incidents of labs finding diamonds with counterfeit GIA inscriptions, some lab-grown diamonds or diamond simulants inscribed with report numbers for natural stones and others lower-quality goods inscribed with report numbers for better diamonds.
In a statement to National Jeweler, GIA said it has seen an uptick in the number of fraudulent inscriptions on stones submitted to its labs.
In an earlier release, GIA shared the same advice HRD Antwerp CEO Ellen Joncheere did in her lab’s recent statement on the 1.50-carat diamond: It is important to have diamond grading reports updated before completing a purchase, especially in instances in which the buyer does not know the seller very well.
When asked if these diamonds with fake inscriptions are emanating from a single source or geographic locale, GIA said it has not seen any evidence that the recently reported cases are related.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
HRD Antwerp declined to grade the 1.50-carat diamond, as it only issues Treated Diamond Grading Reports for HPHT-treated diamonds when the customer discloses the treatment.
(Its Treated Diamond Grading Reports are gray in color to distinguish them from the blue reports issued for natural diamonds.)
HRD Antwerp returned the diamond to the submitting company.
(Its Treated Diamond Grading Reports are gray in color to distinguish them from the blue reports issued for natural diamonds.)
HRD Antwerp returned the diamond to the submitting company.
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
