Jewellery Technology & Machinery - JTM
HB Antwerp establishes premier training academy for
diamond specialists and jewelers


HB Antwerp, a data and tech company specializing in the diamond trade, has established HB Academy, a state-of-the-art training and knowledge center for diamond specialists and jewelers.

HB Academy will be based in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world, and will leverage the city’s storied reputation for artisanal craftsmanship with training on the latest technological innovations. By melding these two approaches, HB Academy’s curriculum will respect the old and new, paving the way for a refined mastery of the process, start to finish. HB Academy will include three components: trainings for prospective diamond specialists, courses for customer-facing representatives of retail jewelers, and HB Antwerp’s corporate continuing education program for its existing employees.

HB Academy will host a technical course for those interested in learning the craft of diamond polishing three times a year, beginning this September. After a rigorous selection process to assess technical skills and mathematical understanding, up to eight prospective polishers will advance to a 12-week training. Those who successfully complete the training will be offered a job at HB Antwerp, where they will participate in additional courses to further master the craft of polishing under HB Antwerp expert polishers.

Additionally, HB Academy will also offer educational courses on the nuances of rough and polished diamonds, catered to boutique jewelers, as well as major watch and jewelry brands. These courses will help sales staff better understand their products and address questions posed by customers.

The program comes as HB Antwerp continues to grow its operations as many prominent partners connect with HB Antwerp’s approach, which brings the entire diamond supply and production process, from rough to polished, under one roof.

"The combination of innovative technology, experienced craftsmanship and transparency is the hallmark of HB Antwerp," said Margaux Donckier, Director of Communications and External Affairs at HB Antwerp. “HB Academy marks the first full-fledged, Antwerp-based training center for those in the diamond trade in decades. HB Antwerp is proud to contribute to the emergence of Antwerp as an international center for diamond knowledge and expertise.”

"HB Antwerp proves once again the innovative power of Flanders, Belgium,” said Bart De Wever, Mayor of Antwerp. “Through cutting edge technology and knowledge transfer we are ensuring that our diamond sector remains competitive at an international level. With the arrival of the HB Academy, Antwerp has an extra trump card in its hands to prepare the professionals of tomorrow."

Photo Credit: HB Antwerp | Jonas Roosens photography

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