HRD Antwerp has officially brought its globally respected diamond, gemmology, and jewellery education programmes to India, marking a significant step in strengthening professional training for one of the world’s largest jewellery markets. The move enhances access to internationally benchmarked education while supporting the industry’s growing need for technical expertise and standardisation.
The inauguration of HRD Antwerp’s education initiative in Mumbai was attended by Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, alongside Mehul N. Shah, Vice President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration between Belgium’s diamond ecosystem and India’s manufacturing and trading hub.
The launch coincided with the first official visit to India by Paul De Wachter, CEO of HRD Antwerp, who led the delegation for the occasion. He was accompanied by Stanley De Belie, Chief Operating Officer, and Philip Baeten, Chief Financial Officer, highlighting the organisation’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.
HRD Antwerp’s India leadership team — Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director; Chandrakant Narkar, Sales Director; and Anand Gusani, Global Education Manager — will spearhead the rollout and expansion of the programmes across the country. Gusani will oversee curriculum delivery and growth, ensuring alignment with HRD Antwerp’s global education standards.
The programmes will be delivered from HRD Antwerp’s Mumbai education facility, enabling students, retailers, entrepreneurs, and working professionals to gain access to European-standard training without the need to study overseas. The initiative is expected to support skill development across multiple segments of the Indian gem and jewellery value chain.
The curriculum spans diamond grading and identification, gemmology, gemstone treatments, small diamond specialisation, lab-grown diamonds, and jewellery market knowledge. Designed to combine scientific theory with hands-on practical learning, the courses aim to equip participants with skills that meet evolving global market and compliance expectations.
With India playing a pivotal role in global diamond manufacturing and jewellery retail, HRD Antwerp’s entry into the education space is seen as a timely step toward building a more knowledgeable, transparent, and future-ready industry.
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