HRD Antwerp has opened a new diamond and jewellery certification laboratory in Hyderabad, strengthening its operational footprint in India and expanding access to grading and certification services in South India.

The laboratory was inaugurated on January 31, 2026, in the presence of Kailash Charan, President, Twin Cities Jewellers Association, Praveen Kumar Agarwal, Secretary, Twin Cities Jewellers Association, and Prakash Agarwal, owner, RVJ.

“The opening of HRD Antwerp’s laboratory in Hyderabad is a significant step for the jewellery industry in South India. Access to internationally recognised and scientifically backed certification at a regional level will strengthen transparency, trust, and global competitiveness for our jewellers and manufacturers,” said Kailash Charan.

The Hyderabad facility will provide certification services for diamond and gemstone jewellery based on HRD Antwerp’s globally standardised grading criteria. It will also function as a drop-off point for natural loose diamonds, which will be processed in accordance with the protocols of HRD Antwerp’s central laboratory.

HRD Antwerp stated that Hyderabad was selected due to its established manufacturing and retail ecosystem, enabling faster turnaround times and improved regional access to independent grading services for jewellers, manufacturers and retailers.

Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director – India, and senior members of HRD Antwerp’s leadership team attended the inauguration, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.

The laboratory is equipped with gemmological technology and operates under HRD Antwerp’s established certification protocols, which are based on scientific precision, consistent quality, and transparency across all reports issued.