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
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
