HRD Antwerp implemented its Education initiative in India with its first Certified Diamond Grader Course held recently in Mumbai. The two week curriculum was a study in the principles of diamond optics, grading, identification and imitation detection. The course was outlined around the HRD Antwerp standards of excellence. An HRD Education instructor tutored professionals of the Indian diamond industry with hands-on experience using a microscope and a loupe.

Devika Gidwani, COO and Country Head – India, HRD Antwerp Institute of Gemmology, said “ It gives me great pleasure to see HRD Antwerp’s world-class education programmes make their debut in India. In the coming years we look forward to conducting our programmes in every major city in the country and will provide diamond professionals with an opportunity to become expert diamond graders, on par with the best international graders.”

A special ceremony was held to conclude the course. Students received their HRD diploma certificates from Guest of honor, celebrated jewellery designer Queenie Dhody. Also, Gidwani announced to give a scholarship to the Overall Outstanding Student of the Year at the SNDT Jasani Department of Jewellery Design and Manufacture. The student will be allowed to participate in the next HRD Certified Diamond Graders’ programme.