How to Read and Verify an HRD Diamond Report

To read an HRD Antwerp diamond report, first identify the report type and verify its number through My HRD Antwerp. Then compare the report date, shape, carat weight, measurements, fluorescence, colour, clarity and cut information with the diamond being offered. Review proportions, polish, symmetry, technical details, clarity characteristics, comments and any recorded laser inscription. If the diamond is sealed, inspect the package for tampering.

An HRD report records the laboratory’s findings. It is not a valuation, proof of ownership, mining-origin document or guarantee that the physical diamond still matches the report.

Check an HRD report through My HRD Antwerp.

Is It an HRD Certificate or an HRD Grading Report?

Buyers commonly say “HRD certificate,” but HRD Antwerp uses terms such as Natural Diamond Grading Report.

A grading report records the laboratory’s assessment of an individual diamond. It can provide identification and quality information, but it does not set the diamond’s selling price or guarantee future value.

HRD Antwerp’s current terms state that a report must not be treated as a guarantee, valuation or appraisal. See the My HRD Antwerp Terms and Conditions.

For a general introduction to laboratory documentation, read the Diamond Grading Report Guide.

Start by Identifying the Report Type

HRD Antwerp issues different reports for different products and purposes.

Its current services include reports for:

• Natural diamonds
• Laboratory-grown diamonds
• Fancy-coloured natural diamonds
• Diamond jewellery
• Other eligible products and examinations

This guide focuses on the Natural Diamond Grading Report for a loose polished natural diamond.

Do not assume that every HRD document contains identical fields. A jewellery report, colour report or laboratory-grown diamond report can contain different wording and limitations.

Check the exact title before reading the grades.

HRD Antwerp describes its Natural Diamond Grading Report as identifying a polished natural diamond and recording its key characteristics.

1. Report Number

The report number is the unique reference associated with the HRD report.

Use it to search the official My HRD Antwerp report archive.

When checking the number:

1. Enter the report number on the official portal.
2. Confirm that a corresponding record appears.
3. Check the report type.
4. Compare the issue date.
5. Compare shape and carat weight.
6. Compare colour, clarity and cut information.
7. Compare measurements and technical details.
8. Review inscription information.
9. Match the retrieved report with the physical diamond.

A valid record confirms that HRD Antwerp has report data associated with that number. It does not prove that a particular seller possesses the corresponding diamond.

2. Report Date and Current Validity

The date records when the diamond was examined.

At the time of this review, HRD Antwerp’s terms state that each report has a maximum validity of ten years from its issue date. The terms also explain that the report represents the diamond’s characteristics at the time of grading and does not guarantee its current condition because the diamond may later be treated, modified or recut.

Therefore:

• Check the issue date.
• Check the current HRD terms.
• Confirm that the diamond still matches the report.
• Examine the current condition.
• Contact HRD Antwerp if an older report cannot be found.
• Consider updated examination when identity or condition is uncertain.

HRD Antwerp separately states that digital copies of reports issued after 2013 are available in its database for a ten-year period. Archive availability and report validity are related operational details, but they should not be described as the same thing.

3. Natural-Diamond Identification

Read the report title and identification statement carefully.

An HRD Antwerp Natural Diamond Grading Report is intended for a polished natural diamond examined by the laboratory.

Do not rely only on:

• A supplier’s product title
• The word “diamond” on an invoice
• A report image
• A verbal statement
• The appearance of the stone

Confirm that the report explicitly describes the product category being offered.

A laboratory-grown diamond should have the applicable laboratory-grown report wording. Natural and laboratory-grown reports must not be interchanged.

4. Shape

The shape field identifies the diamond’s outline and cutting style.

Examples can include:

• Brilliant
• Oval
• Pear
• Emerald
• Cushion
• Radiant
• Princess
• Marquise
• Heart
• Triangle

Shape is not the same as cut grade.

“Brilliant” or “Oval” identifies the shape or cutting style. “Excellent” can describe proportions, polish or symmetry.

Check the column or field label before interpreting any cut-related description.

5. Carat Weight

Carat is a measurement of weight.

One carat equals 0.20 grams or 100 points.

Example: 1.09 ct

Carat weight does not tell you:

• Face-up diameter
• Length-to-width ratio
• Weight distribution
• Light performance
• Visual beauty
• Market price

Compare the carat weight with the measurements and technical proportions.

For fuller guidance, read the Diamond Carat Weight Guide.

6. Measurements

HRD reports record physical diamond dimensions in millimetres.

A Round Brilliant may be displayed as:

minimum diameter – maximum diameter × height

Example: 6.54–6.59 × 4.09 mm

A fancy shape may be displayed as:

length × width × depth

Example: 9.10 × 6.30 × 3.90 mm

Measurements help assess:

• Whether the diamond matches the report
• Face-up size
• Outline
• Length-to-width ratio
• Depth
• Weight distribution

Two diamonds with the same carat weight can have different dimensions and visible sizes.

7. Fluorescence

The fluorescence field records the diamond’s reaction under ultraviolet light during examination.

A report may use descriptions such as:

• Nil
• Slight
• Medium
• Strong
• Very Strong

Read the exact terminology on the report rather than converting it into another laboratory’s wording.

HRD Antwerp states that its Natural Diamond Grading Report records fluorescence under long-wave ultraviolet light. Its Natural Diamond Colour Grading Report can also include short-wave information.

Fluorescence is not automatically a defect or benefit. Its visual and commercial relevance depends on the individual diamond, body colour, strength and appearance.

8. Colour Grade

HRD Antwerp grades eligible natural diamonds across a D–Z colour scale.

A report may display:

• A descriptive HRD colour term
• The corresponding D–Z letter in brackets

For example, a report may pair an HRD descriptive term with a letter such as F or I.

Use the exact information shown on the report. Do not remove the letter, rewrite the descriptive term or automatically convert it into another laboratory’s terminology.

Colour should be considered alongside:

• Diamond shape
• Carat weight
• Setting metal
• Fluorescence
• Viewing conditions
• Customer preference

For complete practical guidance, read Diamond Colour Grades D–Z.

9. Clarity Grade

HRD Antwerp uses the following clarity scale for natural diamonds:

• LC
• VVS1
• VVS2
• VS1
• VS2
• SI1
• SI2
• P1
• P2
• P3

What does LC mean?

LC means Loupe Clean.

HRD Antwerp explains that Loupe Clean means no inclusions are found during examination with a 10× loupe under its grading conditions. See HRD Antwerp’s official 4Cs guidance.

Do not automatically replace LC with FL or IF in inventory, product pages or customer documents. Those are different terms used within other reporting systems.

What do P1, P2 and P3 mean?

P refers to the Piqué portion of HRD Antwerp’s clarity scale.

Do not silently replace these with another laboratory’s I grades. Retain the exact HRD clarity grade and explain the laboratory terminology when necessary.

Why the grade alone is not enough

Two diamonds with the same clarity grade can contain different characteristics.

Review:

• Type
• Size
• Number
• Position
• Relief
• Orientation
• Visibility
• Potential durability relevance

For complete clarity education, see Diamond Clarity Grades Explained.

10. HRD Cut Information

HRD Antwerp presents cut using separate assessments for:

• Proportions
• Polish
• Symmetry

Its current natural-diamond report scale uses:

• Excellent
• Very Good
• Good
• Fair

Proportions

On current standard reports, the proportions grade is identified for Round Brilliants. Do not assume a fancy shape receives the same overall proportions grade.

Polish

Polish assesses the quality and condition of the facet surfaces.

Symmetry

Symmetry assesses facet alignment and the precision of the diamond’s outline and construction.

A Round Brilliant might show:

• Proportions: Excellent
• Polish: Excellent
• Symmetry: Excellent

This can be useful information, but it does not guarantee that every similarly graded diamond has identical appearance.

For fancy shapes, visual assessment remains essential even when polish and symmetry receive strong grades.

11. Technical Information

Depending on the report type and diamond, the technical-information section can include:

• Measurements
• Girdle thickness
• Girdle finish
• Culet
• Total depth
• Table width
• Crown height
• Crown angle
• Pavilion depth
• Pavilion angle
• Crown-half length
• Pavilion-half length
• Other proportion information

Total depth

Total depth compares the diamond’s depth with its relevant width or average diameter.

Table width

Table width describes the relative size of the large top facet.

Crown and pavilion information

Crown and pavilion values help describe the construction of a Round Brilliant and can support more detailed proportion analysis.

Do not approve or reject a diamond using one technical number alone. Proportions interact and should be reviewed with the complete report and the actual diamond.

12. Girdle

The girdle is the diamond’s outer edge between the crown and pavilion.

A report may describe:

• Thickness
• Percentage
• Whether it is faceted or polished
• Other relevant condition information

Very thin areas may deserve additional durability attention. Very thick areas can retain weight without producing the expected face-up size.

The commercial significance depends on the individual diamond, location of the variation and intended setting.

13. Culet

The culet is the point or small facet at the bottom of the diamond.

A current HRD report may use a term such as:

• Pointed
• Small
• Medium
• Large
• Another applicable description

A larger open culet can sometimes be visible through the table. Review it together with the diamond’s design and appearance.

14. Clarity Plot and Selective Characteristics

A full HRD grading report may include a plotting diagram indicating selected internal or external characteristics.

The plot can help:

• Identify the diamond
• Understand which characteristics contributed to clarity
• Locate characteristics near the table or girdle
• Compare the report with the physical stone

HRD reports explain that plotted symbols do not necessarily show the exact shape or size of a characteristic.

Use the plot as an identification aid—not a scaled photograph.

Some compact report types may not include a full plotted clarity diagram. This is another reason to identify the report type before assuming which fields should be present.

15. Comments

Read every comment or disclaimer shown on the report.

Comments may concern:

• Additional characteristics
• Characteristics not plotted
• Identification
• Treatments
• Inscriptions
• Report limitations
• Other observations

A comment does not automatically make the diamond unsuitable. It identifies information that should be understood before buying.

16. Laser Inscription

HRD Antwerp offers laser inscription as an additional service.

An inscription can contain:

• The HRD report number
• A personal message
• A logo
• Another recorded identifier

If the report records an inscription:

1. Inspect the girdle with suitable magnification.
2. Compare the complete inscription with the report.
3. Compare measurements and weight.
4. Review the clarity characteristics.
5. Investigate any mismatch.

An inscription is an identification aid. It should not be treated as the only proof that the report and diamond correspond.

17. Sealing

HRD Antwerp also offers sealing as an additional service.

A sealed package is designed to associate the enclosed diamond with its report and protect it from oil and dirt. Before accepting a sealed diamond:

• Confirm that the package is intact.
• Check for evidence of tampering.
• Verify the report online.
• Compare the package and report identifiers.
• Record the package condition.
• Understand whether opening the seal affects return or verification terms.

If the seal has been opened, damaged or replaced, verify the loose diamond directly against the report.

Do not rely only on the appearance of the packaging.

18. Report Security Features

HRD Antwerp describes security features including:

• Microtext
• Fluorescent marks
• Line structures
• Holographic elements
• Watermarks
• Special security paper

Some features may require a loupe, ultraviolet light or other inspection method.

Physical security features can help detect an altered report, but online archive verification and diamond-to-report matching are still required.

See HRD Antwerp’s current report security information.

How to Verify an HRD Report Online

Use this process:

1. Open the official portal

Go directly to My HRD Antwerp.

Do not depend on a supplier-hosted report image or an unrelated certificate-checking website.

2. Enter the report number

Enter the complete report number carefully.

3. Confirm the report record

Check that the record exists and note the report type and date.

4. Compare every important field

Compare:

• Natural or laboratory-grown identification
• Shape
• Carat
• Colour
• Clarity
• Cut information
• Fluorescence
• Measurements
• Technical details
• Inscription information

5. Match the physical diamond

Where available, use:

• Laser inscription
• Measurements
• Weight
• Shape
• Clarity characteristics
• Sealed-package identifiers

6. Examine current condition

Check whether the diamond has been chipped, repolished, recut, treated or otherwise altered since the report date.

7. Verify the transaction separately

Confirm:

• Supplier identity
• Ownership or authority to sell
• Availability
• Price
• Invoice description
• Return terms
• Provenance documentation where claimed

My HRD verification confirms archived report information. It does not prove ownership, availability or mining origin.

A Practical HRD Report Example

Consider this fictional report summary:

A careful buyer would:

1. Verify the report number through My HRD Antwerp.
2. Confirm that the document is a Natural Diamond Grading Report.
3. Check that LC means Loupe Clean on HRD’s scale.
4. Retain the exact HRD colour wording and letter.
5. Compare measurements and carat weight.
6. Review the separate proportions, polish and symmetry fields.
7. Check the inscription with magnification.
8. Review clarity characteristics and comments.
9. Inspect the diamond’s current condition and appearance.
10. Evaluate price and sourcing documentation separately.

What an HRD Report Does Not Prove

A standard HRD grading report does not by itself establish:

• Retail value
• Wholesale value
• Resale value
• Future investment performance
• Ownership
• Seller reliability
• Current availability
• Mining origin
• Complete supply-chain compliance
• Customer preference
• Current condition after the report date
• That a report image and physical diamond match

Keep grading, valuation, provenance, supplier checks and physical inspection as separate parts of due diligence.

For provenance guidance, read the Diamond Origin Report Guide.

HRD Report Verification Checklist

Before purchasing or listing the diamond, confirm:

• Correct HRD report type identified
• Natural or laboratory-grown category confirmed
• Report number searched through My HRD Antwerp
• Report date checked
• Current validity considered
• Shape matched
• Carat weight matched
• Measurements matched
• Fluorescence checked
• Colour wording retained accurately
• Clarity grade retained accurately
• LC understood as Loupe Clean
• No automatic laboratory-grade conversion made
• Proportions reviewed where applicable
• Polish reviewed
• Symmetry reviewed
• Technical information reviewed
• Girdle reviewed
• Culet reviewed
• Clarity characteristics reviewed
• Comments read
• Inscription checked where recorded
• Seal inspected where applicable
• Physical report security considered
• Current diamond condition examined
• Images or video reviewed
• Supplier listing matches the report
• Supplier and availability verified separately
• Origin documentation checked separately where claimed

Frequently Asked Questions

Review the Report and the Diamond Together

An HRD Antwerp report provides structured information about the diamond examined by the laboratory. Its value comes from reading the correct report type, verifying the report number and matching the recorded characteristics with the individual stone.

Do not stop after checking the 4Cs. Review the measurements, fluorescence, HRD clarity terminology, proportions, polish, symmetry, technical details, comments, inscription, seal and current condition.

Browse Dalila Diamonds’ current inventory and request the complete report and current availability for any HRD-graded diamond you are considering.

Availability, pricing and report status can change. Confirm every individual diamond and transaction before making a commitment.