GradingApr 27, 2021
SSEF Debuts Free Online Gemstone CoursesGradingJul 16, 2021
HB Antwerp Opens Diamond Training Academy
The HB Academy will offer classes for prospective specialists and jewelry retailers, and continuing education for its own employees.
HB Antwerp officially opened its new diamond training academy this week at a launch event that included the mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever.
Antwerp—HB Antwerp, a diamond manufacturing company with a focus on technology, has launched an academy to train diamond specialists and jewelers.
HB Academy, a state-of-the-art center based in Antwerp, will comprise three parts: training for prospective diamond specialists, courses for jewelry retailers, and an internal continuing education program for its own employees.
The academy will host a technical course three times a year for those interested in learning diamond polishing, starting this September.
After a “rigorous” selection process to assess technical skills and mathematical understanding, the academy will then choose eight prospective polishers to advance to a 12-week training course.
Those who complete that next step will be offered a job at HB Antwerp, where they will take additional courses to further master the craft under expert polishers.
Additionally, HB Academy will offer educational courses about the nuances of rough and polished diamonds catered to both boutique jewelers and major watch and jewelry brands.
The courses will be designed to help sales staff better understand their products and address customer questions.
“The combination of innovative technology, experienced craftsmanship, and transparency is the hallmark of HB Antwerp,” said Director of Corporate Affairs Margaux Donckier.
“HB Academy marks the first full-fledged, Antwerp-based training center for those in the diamond trade in decades. HB Antwerp is proud to contribute to the emergence of Antwerp as an international center for diamond knowledge and expertise.”
Related stories will be right here …
HB Academy, a state-of-the-art center based in Antwerp, will comprise three parts: training for prospective diamond specialists, courses for jewelry retailers, and an internal continuing education program for its own employees.
The academy will host a technical course three times a year for those interested in learning diamond polishing, starting this September.
After a “rigorous” selection process to assess technical skills and mathematical understanding, the academy will then choose eight prospective polishers to advance to a 12-week training course.
Those who complete that next step will be offered a job at HB Antwerp, where they will take additional courses to further master the craft under expert polishers.
Additionally, HB Academy will offer educational courses about the nuances of rough and polished diamonds catered to both boutique jewelers and major watch and jewelry brands.
The courses will be designed to help sales staff better understand their products and address customer questions.
“The combination of innovative technology, experienced craftsmanship, and transparency is the hallmark of HB Antwerp,” said Director of Corporate Affairs Margaux Donckier.
“HB Academy marks the first full-fledged, Antwerp-based training center for those in the diamond trade in decades. HB Antwerp is proud to contribute to the emergence of Antwerp as an international center for diamond knowledge and expertise.”
The academy and its program come as HB Antwerp continues to grow its operations.
The diamond company uses the latest planning and polishing technologies, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to take stones from rough to polished.
It signed on to analyze and cut the Sewelô diamond for Louis Vuitton last year and agreed to buy all Lucara Diamonds’ large stones (10.8 carats and up) through the end of 2020.
Concurrent with its news about the academy, HB Antwerp also announced a partnership with boutique incubator WomHub to recruit Botswanan engineering students for a training program.
The HB Innovation Lab is intended to support those pursuing STEM careers and provide local training and job opportunities, including a female-focused component for further gender parity in the diamond industry.
HB Antwerp said it intends to extend job offers to some participants upon completion of the program for positions at its diamond operations facility in Botswana.
The company is accepting applications through Aug. 2, with the program starting in September.
Those chosen for permanent positions will be onboarded at the start of 2022.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
