Global certification opens structured career pathways for India’s jewellery aspirants
MUMBAI, Jan 13 (The CONNECT) – Framing gemmology as a credible, globally recognised career option for students seeking specialised, future-ready education, HRD Antwerp has launched its internationally recognised education programmes in India.
HRD Antwerp is one of the world’s leading authorities in diamond, gemmology and jewellery education, certification and equipment. Headquartered in Belgium, the institution has spent over five decades setting international benchmarks in scientific precision, consistency and professional integrity, and has trained more than 240,000 students across global diamond and jewellery markets.
The launch took place during the first official visit to India by Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp, underscoring the strategic importance of India not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a talent and education market. He was joined by Stanley De Belie, Chief Operating Officer, and Philip Baeten, Chief Financial Officer, reflecting senior global leadership engagement with HRD Antwerp’s India expansion.
The initiative received strong institutional and industry support, with Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, and Mehul N. Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, highlighting the enduring partnership between Belgium and India in the diamond and jewellery sector and the importance of structured education in strengthening professional standards.
HRD Antwerp’s programmes will be delivered from its Mumbai education facility, allowing Indian students, parents, retailers, entrepreneurs and working professionals to access globally benchmarked qualifications without the cost and complexity of overseas study. The move positions gemmology as a structured academic and professional pathway, offering international mobility, clear skill outcomes and long-term employability.
With rising demand for certified professionals across grading, quality assurance, retail, sourcing and the fast-growing lab-grown diamond segment, the programmes address the industry’s need for formally trained talent aligned with global best practices.
The curriculum spans diamond grading and identification, gemmology, gemstone treatments, small diamond expertise, lab-grown diamonds and jewellery market knowledge, combining scientific fundamentals with practical, industry-relevant application. 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, recognised across international diamond and jewellery markets.
“India plays a central role in the global diamond and jewellery industry,” said Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp. “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.”
Mehul N. Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, said access to internationally aligned education would be critical for the sector’s long-term growth. “As India’s diamond and jewellery industry continues to expand in scale and global relevance, structured professional education will play an important role in strengthening standards and sustaining credibility,” he said.
HRD Antwerp’s India operations will be led by its local leadership team comprising Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director; Chandrakant Narkar, Sales Director; and Anand Gusani, Global Education Manager, who will oversee the rollout and growth of the organisation’s education initiatives in the country.
With this launch, HRD Antwerp reinforces its commitment to advancing education, ethical practices and globally consistent standards across the diamond and jewellery industry.
