A Legacy of Expertise & Integrity
From the mines of Asia to the heart of Antwerp's Diamond District. Over four decades of family tradition.
A Family Legacy in Colour
Four Decades of Excellence
The Foundation
Fredy Sand establishes Sand Fredy bvba in Antwerp with a clear mission: to source and supply the finest coloured gemstones directly to the trade and private collectors. With a keen eye for quality and an instinct for exceptional stones, Fredy built the foundation of trust and direct supplier relationships that define SandGems to this day.
Expanding the Expertise
Dave Sand joins the family business in 1996, bringing a fresh perspective to sourcing operations. In 1997, Dave graduates from the GIA as a Graduate Gemologist (GG).
Specialized Knowledge
Yoeri Sand joins the team. A graduate of Applied Economics at the University of Antwerp with honours, Yoeri brings a decade of business expertise alongside his gemological training from the International Gemological Institute (IGI), combining analytical rigour with deep market knowledge.
SandGems is Born
The family business is rebranded as SandGems, marking a new chapter with a stronger commercial identity and international focus.
New Premises
SandGems moves to new premises in Antwerp's Diamond District at Schupstraat 9-11, a space where clients can view stones in a professional, private setting.
New Website & Virtual Showroom
A complete digital renewal. New website and virtual showroom launch, bringing the full SandGems experience online.
ICA Accredited Ethical Supplier
SandGems becomes an ICA Accredited Ethical Member of the International Colored Gemstone Association, verifying our adherence to the highest global standards of ethical sourcing and trade.
The SandGems Advantage
Generational Knowledge
Led by GIA and IGI certified gemologists with 45+ years of heritage. Three generations of the Sand family, built on direct relationships with miners, cutters and labs.
Direct Sourcing
We travel to Asian cutting factories and South American mines to ensure quality at the source. This eliminates middlemen and guarantees full traceability.
Antwerp Heritage
Based in the world's foremost coloured gemstone trading hub since 1979. Antwerp's unique concentration of cutting houses, gemological laboratories, goldsmiths, customs specialists and trading firms gives SandGems unmatched access to expertise and services, all within minutes of our office.
Ethical Accreditation
ICA Accredited Ethical Supplier status, ensuring transparency and integrity at every step, from mine to collector.
Certified by the World's Best
Every stone we offer carries a certificate from at least one of the world's foremost gemological laboratories.
GRS — Gem Research Swisslab
Widely regarded as the gold standard for coloured stone certification, particularly for Burma rubies, Kashmir sapphires and Colombian emeralds.
GIA — Gemological Institute of America
The world's most recognised gemological authority. GIA reports provide trusted grading for colour, clarity and treatment status.
Gübelin Gem Lab
One of the oldest and most prestigious gem labs in the world. Gübelin reports are especially valued for their detailed origin and treatment analysis.
ALGT — Antwerp Lab
Located in the heart of Antwerp's diamond district, ALGT provides reliable and comprehensive reports for all gemstone types.
ICA — International Coloured Gemstone Association
As proud ICA members since 2023, we operate under a strict code of ethics covering responsible sourcing and transparent trade.
SSEF — Swiss Gemmological Institute
SSEF reports are highly valued for Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies, with a strong reputation for origin determination.
ICA Accredited Ethical Supplier
At SandGems, our commitment to beauty is matched only by our commitment to integrity. In 2023, we achieved ICA Accredited Ethical Member status. This formal accreditation from the International Colored Gemstone Association verifies our dedication to transparency and high-standard business practices.
This is not a simple membership. The ICA is the only world body specifically dedicated to the coloured gemstone industry, and accreditation requires a full review of our sourcing practices.
What This Means for You
When you acquire a gemstone from an ICA Accredited Ethical Supplier, you have the assurance that:
Full Disclosure
Every stone is presented with its true identity, including any treatments or origin details. No surprises.
Responsible Sourcing
We adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that prioritises the people and planet principles of the global gem trade.
Vetted Integrity
Our business has been reviewed and held to the rigorous global standards of the ICA, the only world body for coloured gems.
Treatment Transparency
We disclose all treatments (heat, filling, or otherwise) with full clarity. Our clients make decisions with complete information.
For our clients, this accreditation means peace of mind. You aren't just buying a rare sapphire or an exceptional ruby. You're buying with confidence.
Verify our ICA membership →Ready to Find Your Stone?
Browse our current inventory of certified gemstones, or tell us exactly what you're looking for.