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
MajorsJan 30, 2025
WJA Chapter Leaders Resign as Fallout From DEI Remarks SnowballsThe boards of at least five chapters have resigned in response to controversial statements the WJA national board president made last month.
Policies & IssuesJan 30, 2025
RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant Is Stepping Down An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.
CollectionsJan 30, 2025
Pharrell Williams Brings Tahitian Pearls to His New Tiffany & Co. CollectionFive new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2025
Registration Open for Converge 2025The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.
Weekly QuizJan 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 30, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Elects 5 New MembersJewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. are among the new members.
CollectionsJan 29, 2025
Boucheron’s High Jewelry Takes the Form of ‘Untamed Nature’The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
FinancialsJan 29, 2025
LVMH Watch, Jewelry Sales End the Year DownWatch and jewelry sales slipped 3 percent in 2024, though the luxury conglomerate did see business pick up in the fourth quarter.
MajorsJan 29, 2025
Chanel Names New General Manager of Watches, Fine Jewelry for USOlivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.
SurveysJan 29, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips for Second Consecutive Month It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.
Events & AwardsJan 29, 2025
Chris Ploof To Teach Mokume Gane at AJSThe jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.
SourcingJan 28, 2025
WFDB Joins Efforts to Promote Natural Diamonds With New CampaignThe “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.
CollectionsJan 28, 2025
Bliss Lau Celebrates the Intricate Mosaic of Identity in New CollectionThe versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.
SourcingJan 28, 2025
Botswana’s First Olympic Gold Medalist Is Now a De Beers Ambassador Letsile Tebogo will help to promote natural diamonds and the good they have done for his country.
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
NouvelleBox Show Returns to New York CityThe showcase, in its second year, will feature more than 20 international brands at its curated event from Feb. 2-4.
Recorded WebinarsJan 28, 2025
Watch: Fine Jewelry Market Predictions for 2025 “My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.
Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
MajorsJan 27, 2025
Le Vian Corp. Chairman Larry LeVian, a Man of Faith and Family, Dies at 73 LeVian is remembered for his leadership in the jewelry industry and for being a selfless and compassionate person.
CrimeJan 27, 2025
New Jersey Jeweler Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years for Evading CustomsMonishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah pleaded guilty to evading customs on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.
SourcingJan 27, 2025
Dev Shetty To Head New Auction House for Rare Colored GemsJemora Gemhouse’s inaugural auction, slated for March, will take place in Dubai and feature polished sapphires.
CollectionsJan 27, 2025
Rachel Quinn Embodies Feelings of Falling in Love in New CollectionQuinn partnered with Gemfields to create “Crazy Love,” which features Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies across 10 pieces.
MajorsJan 27, 2025
Arch Crown’s 2025 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Out Now The catalog is 48 pages and features more than 100 styles.
CollectionsJan 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ashley Zhang Jewelry’s Lunar New Year NecklaceThe one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
SourcingJan 24, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Tucson The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Policies & IssuesJan 24, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
CrimeJan 23, 2025
4 Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap JewelerThe suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.
