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
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
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.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
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.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
