Headlines

CEO: Employees Altered Diamond Certificates, Have Been Fired

Published

8 years ago

September 9, 2016

The company has invalidated 156 grading certificates.

Rapaport News reports that HRD Antwerp discovered some diamond-grading documents being altered by employees at a laboratory in India. Three workers allegedly took financial incentives from a trader who wanted the diamonds he presented to the lab to be evaluated at a higher grade. HRD Antwerp has since let the employees go. It has also invalidated 156 grading certificates connected to the incident, according to Rapaport News. Peter Macken, CEO of HRD Antwerp, states in a letter that despite “effective and timely detection of the discrepancies,” it’s possible that “a limited number of diamonds concerned” entered the market. HRD Antwerp has published a list of potentially affected certificates and is offering a free check for anyone in possession of one of them. The company has filed a complaint with local authorities and banned the client from further work with HRD Antwerp, Macken said.

View the list of potentially affected certificates here.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”