HRD to Open First Middle East Jewelry Lab

RAPAPORT... HRD Antwerp will open a diamond-jewelry grading laboratoryin Dubai's Almas Tower through a partnership with retailer Stargems Group. The center, which will be HRD's first such lab in the MiddleEast, will be located within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) FreeZone, the gemological group said Wednesday. HRD and Stargems signed a memorandum of understanding inwhich the lab will grade the retailer's entire jewelry inventory. "Within the diamond industry, trust is key," said Stargems chairman ShaileshJaveri. "As a retailer, we want our customers to haveconfidence in our products. By certifying our entire inventory with the highlyreputable HRD Antwerp brand, our customers can be assured about theauthenticity and quality of our jewelry." HRD plans to use the partnership to help it expand its MiddleEast presence, it added. Image: Representatives from HRD Antwerp and Stargems signing the agreement. (HRD Antwerp)