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.
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 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
