Marking a pivotal moment for India’s gem and jewellery sector, HRD Antwerp has begun full-scale operations at the Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Mumbai. The announcement was made during IIJS Premiere 2025, one of the industry's most prestigious trade events.
Recognised as Europe’s leading institution in diamond grading and education, HRD Antwerp now offers its complete suite of certification services—including for natural and lab-grown diamonds—at the cutting-edge Mega CFC. This collaboration is designed to elevate industry standards and enhance India's reputation in the global jewellery landscape.
The launch event drew attention from prominent figures across the industry, including Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC CEO Ravi Menon, HRD Antwerp’s Global Director of Marketing, Sales & Education Tom Neys, and HRD Antwerp India’s Managing Director Ramakant Mitkar.
Ravi Menon emphasised that the CFC was envisioned as a transformative facility aimed at empowering Indian manufacturers with top-tier technology and expertise. “HRD Antwerp’s entry into this ecosystem further strengthens our mission to give Indian exporters a global edge,” he said.
Highlighting India’s key role in the global market, Tom Neys noted, “This partnership allows HRD Antwerp to extend its trusted grading legacy to a wider base of Indian manufacturers and exporters—especially at a time when transparency and trust are more critical than ever.”
Ramakant Mitkar pointed out the logistical advantage the new setup brings for industry players located near the MIDC region. He also spotlighted HRD Antwerp’s focus on increasing consumer awareness around the authenticity of both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Strategically located in one of Mumbai’s busiest jewellery production hubs, this move is poised to raise quality benchmarks and instil greater confidence in Indian-origin jewellery across international markets.