What is so special about the Antwerp Diamond District?

The diamond trade in Antwerp is conducted on a small area; the bourses and offices are lined up on a small area. When in sunny weather, the dealers come out in the street for a break and a chat, the outsider is surprised at the variety of types, colour and dress. The Jews have been present in the Antwerp diamond trade ever since the 16th century. The Orthodox Jews can easily be recognized by their black attire of the same cut, hat, beard and hairstyle. There are also other Jews, which only a trained eye can recognize as such. The other community, which is largely presented, in the Antwerp Diamond World is the Indian community. The Indians, who originally specialized in cheap goods, are gaining more experience in larger sizes. The cheap, small brilliant and single cut still comprises the lion’s share of their production. But beside these two main communities there are people from all European countries and all continents, who make their living in the diamond trade. In Antwerp all languages and dialects are spoken and this improbable symbiosis has only one thing in common: the diamond. This mosaic of ethnic cultures, life styles and religions can rely on Antwerp’s world-renowned hospitality and tolerance.

Founded over thirty years ago in Belgium, the EGL is committed to protecting the integrity of the jewellery trade and fuelling public interest through applied science, education, innovation, and exceptional services. The EGL has an international presence with laboratories based in Antwerp (1973), Johannesburg (1980), London (1981), Paris (1981), Tel Aviv (1982), Istanbul (1990), Seoul (1990), Mumbai (2003) and Cape Town (2007). It is sometimes referred to therefore as ‘EGL Worldwide’ or ‘EGL International’: The same standards apply to all these labs, but differ from EGL USA.

The EGL is accredited with introducing new approaches to diamond grading, the practice of certifying diamonds measuring less than one carat in weight, and establishing the 'SI3' diamond clarity designation. The organisation is also recognised for conducting advanced research with renowned physicists, geologists, and mineralogists.

TYPES OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY EGL USA

EGL Diamond Certificate Report
A certificate evaluating the colour, clarity, carat weight, and cut of a diamond, including a detailed diagram plotting the diamond’s proportions and illustrating any present inclusions. To see an example, click on the certificate on the right.

EGL Mini Certificate
A more compact version of the Diamond Certificate Report.

EGL “CertiCard”
The most compact of EGL certificates, this details the information as in other.EGL certificates on a credit card type of document.

EGL USA is owned and governed by a different entity to other EGLs and is one of the world’s premier independent gemological labs. It has been offering services to the fine jewellery trade and consumers for over 25 years. The EGL USA group is comprised of four North American labs based in New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto.

TYPES OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY EGL USA

EGL USA Diamond Certificate EGL Example Certificate
A certificate evaluating the colour, clarity, carat weight, and cut of a diamond, including a detailed diagram plotting the diamond’s proportions and illustrating any present inclusions. To see an example, click on the certificate on the right.

EGL USA Diamond Analysis Report
A cut grade certificate issued for round stones only.

EGL USA Coloured Diamond Analysis Report
This is exclusive to EGL USA and is the most popular document for coloured diamonds.

EGL USA Coloured Diamond Origin Report
A comprehensive document outlining the details and origins of coloured diamonds.

EGL USA Coloured Diamond Analysis Report
A more compact version of the Diamond Certificate, created especially for the trade.

One of the leading gemological institutions in the world, the IGI was established in 1975 in Antwerp, with a sister laboratory in New York, and has since become the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute renowned for its quality services, extensive experience and expertise. What originally began with just 3 staff members has expanded to over 250 professionals dedicated to a remarkable standard of excellence in Antwerp, New York, Bangkok, Mumbai and Tokyo.

The IGI issues more than 400,000 reports per year. Thousands of jewellers, retail stores, insurance companies, internet sales organisations, catalogue companies, accounting and securities firms and consumers rely on the IGI reports.

International Gemological Information, a division of IGI, was established in New York in 1981, as a source for unbiased appraisals of gems and jewellery. Like its parent company, IGI Information is totally independent of all commercial sales organisations and does not trade in diamonds or precious stones. Therefore IGI Information is able to provide objective and accurate appraisals and identification reports, alongside appraisal updates and estimates in case of damage.

TYPES OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE IGI

IGI Diamond Report
A detailed analysis of the stone's characteristics, including carat weight, color, clarity, polish and symmetry, and proportions. A diamond diagram with plotted clarity characteristics is also included. To see an example, click on the certificate on the right.

IGI Hearts and Arrows Diamond Report A report rating optical symmetry.

IGI Diamond ID
A passport-sized document that contains the same detailed information as the Diamond Report, without the plotted diagram. This report is also available in a more compact credit card size.

IGI Hearts and Arrows Diamond Report
A report rating optical symmetry.