Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Mumbai, 1st August 2025: HRD Antwerp, Europe’s leading authority in Diamond and Jewellery Grading, Education and Equipment, has officially launched its operations within the Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Mumbai. This collaboration was unveiled during the prestigious IIJS Premiere 2025 and marks a significant leap in advancing India’s jewellery ecosystem with world-class diamond certification services.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of key dignitaries including Mr. Ravi Menon, CEO of Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC; Mr. Tom Neys, Global Marketing, Sales & Education Director, HRD Antwerp; and Mr. Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director, HRD Antwerp India. The event was attended by industry leaders, manufacturers, retailers and board members of the Mega CFC.
Situated in the heart of Mumbai’s thriving gem and jewellery district, the newly established facility offers a full suite of diamond certification services for diamonds and jewellery, both natural and lab grown.
Mr. Ravi Menon, CEO of Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC added, “The Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC was envisioned to provide a competitive edge to Indian manufacturers through access to the best technologies and expertise. HRD Antwerp’s presence within our ecosystem is a powerful addition toward fulfilling that vision.”
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Tom Neys, Global Marketing, Sales & Education Director, HRD Antwerp said, “India continues to be one of the most influential players in the global diamond and jewellery industry. Through this collaboration, HRD Antwerp aims to bring its legacy of grading precision and trust to a wider spectrum of Indian manufacturers and exporters.”
Mr. Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director, HRD Antwerp India, said,
“With our presence at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, we are not only enhancing accessibility for exporters but also making it easier for local clients including those from the MIDC and surrounding regions to submit their jewellery directly for grading. This marks a significant step in expanding our footprint and making our globally trusted services more approachable across India. With the upcoming trend in lab grown diamonds, HRD Antwerp is committed to educate the end consumers on the authenticity of their jewellery.”
The integration of HRD Antwerp’s services within the Mega CFC is expected to elevate quality standards, enhance global competitiveness, and bolster confidence in Indian-manufactured diamonds and jewellery.
About HRD Antwerp
Headquartered in Belgium, HRD Antwerp is a global leading authority in diamond and jewellery certification, education and equipment since 1973. With a legacy rooted in trust, scientific precision, and global standards, HRD Antwerp empowers the diamond industry with reliable and consistent certification services.
About Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC
Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facility Centre is an industry-led initiative supported by the Government of India and spearheaded by GJEPC. It serves as a one-stop hub offering cutting-edge infrastructure and services to small and medium jewellery manufacturers, aimed at enhancing India’s competitiveness in global markets.