HRD Antwerp

Beijing, December 11, 2012 NGTC and HRD Antwerp announced their strategic cooperation during an official ceremony held in the Cedar Hall (Sheraton Beijing Hotel).  The ceremony was well attended by more than 30 media specialists.

The diamond industry is continuously developing in the fields of scientific research, diamond grading and market promotion.  The international diamond industry is faced with the challenge of keeping up with these rapid developments.

China has become an important player in the diamond market with its diamond consumption steadily increasing.  NGTC is the authority in the Chinese diamonds industry, has a wide influence in gem research, technology, jewellery trading and appraisal of jewellery.  HRD Antwerp is the authority in the Belgian diamond industry, is known for its highly reputable diamond grading lab, high technological equipment, research and in-house expertise.

The cooperation between NGTC and HRD Antwerp shows the commitment of both institutes to invest in research and education and further develop the expertise in diamond grading. Both sides will take their technical advantages to cooperatively study and tackle the problems about theory and practice of classification in special color. Meanwhile, NGTC will synchronously use the Lumisense (colour grading instrument) from HRD Antwerp to make the diamond colour to be more objective and unanimous.

The signing ceremony was hosted by Ms Ke Jie, Director of NGTC.  Speeches were held by Mr Bi Lijun, Vice Director of the Ministry of Land and Resources Gems & Jewellery Technical Management Centre and Mr Georges Brys, General Manager of HRD Antwerp.

Mr Brys focussed on "This agreement will help to better understand the unique properties of diamonds. Customers will benefit from it as certificates will become more transparent. By putting research efforts from HRD Antwerp and NGTC together, diamond certificates will be more than ever the proof of confidence for the customer".

 Mr Van Droogenbroeck, Deputy Head of Mission, from Belgian Embassy, and Mr Lin Qiang, President of Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), also addressed the public.

After the speeches, participants and media witnessed the signing ceremony of this unique cooperation between NGTC and HRD Antwerp.

We trust that this powerful combination between the local and international authorities will motivate the entire diamond industry. 

(central in picture)  Mr Brys, General Manager  of HRD Antwerp shakes hands with Mr Bi Lijun , Vice Director of the Ministry  of Land and Resources, Gems & Jewellery  Technical Management Centre in the presence of, Mr Van Droogenbroeck, Deputy Head Belgian Embassy, Mr Lin Qiang, President of Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Mr Drybooms, President of HRD Antwerp.