HRD Antwerp, one of the world’s leading authorities in diamond, gemmology and jewellery education, has announced the launch of its internationally recognised education programmes in India. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening professional training standards for the country’s diamond and jewellery industry.

The inauguration was honoured by the presence of Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, and Mehul N. Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, highlighting strong industry support for the initiative and the enduring ties between Belgium and India in the diamond and jewellery sector.

The launch and inauguration took place during the first official visit to India of Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp, highlighting the strategic importance of the Indian market for the organisation. The CEO was joined by Stanley De Belie, Chief Operating Officer, and Philip Baeten, Chief Financial Officer, reflecting HRD Antwerp’s strong global leadership engagement with its India operations.

Representing HRD Antwerp’s India leadership team at the event were Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director; Chandrakant Narkar, Sales Director; and Anand Gusani, Global Education Manager, who will lead the growth and delivery of HRD Antwerp’s education initiatives in the country.

The programmes will be delivered from HRD Antwerp’s education facility in Mumbai, providing Indian students, retailers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals access to globally benchmarked education without the need to travel overseas. The launch brings HRD Antwerp’s European standards of scientific precision, consistency and integrity directly to one of the world’s most important jewellery markets.

With a legacy spanning over five decades, HRD Antwerp has trained more than 240,000 students worldwide, contributing to the development of skilled professionals across the global diamond and jewellery value chain. The introduction of its education programmes in India is aimed at addressing the growing demand for structured, credible and internationally aligned training within the industry.

The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including diamond grading and identification, gemmology, gemstone treatments, small diamond expertise, lab-grown diamonds, and jewellery-related market knowledge, combining scientific fundamentals with practical, industry-relevant applications.

Training is conducted by senior industry experts using advanced grading and gemmological equipment aligned with HRD Antwerp’s global standards. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Diploma from HRD Antwerp, a qualification recognised across international diamond and jewellery markets.

Speaking at the launch, Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp, said,
“India plays a central role in the global diamond and jewellery industry. By introducing HRD Antwerp’s education programmes in India, we aim to support the development of skilled professionals who meet the highest international standards, strengthening trust and professionalism across the value chain.”

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Mehul N. Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, said, “India’s diamond and jewellery industry continues to grow in scale and global relevance. Access to structured, internationally aligned education programmes will play an important role in strengthening professional standards and supporting the industry’s long-term development.”

With this launch, HRD Antwerp reinforces its commitment to advancing education, ethical practices and global standards within the diamond and jewellery industry.