Belgian Eco-Fashion Trailblazer Joins Signum as Head of Sustainability

HB Antwerp is pleased to announce that Valerie Geluykens has assumed the role of Head of Sustainability for Signum, the bespoke experiential brand of HB Antwerp that emphasizes the wonder of natural rough diamonds.

In this position, Geluykens will lead Signum’s sustainability program, building a strategy that takes a holistic view of sustainability. Under Geluykens’s management, Signum will embrace recognized environmentally sound practices while exploring innovative approaches to further drive an eco-first model.

Geluykens joins Signum from Claes Retail Group (JBC, CKS, Mayerline), where she developed and implemented the sustainability strategy that positioned the group as a frontrunner in the Belgian fashion industry in recent years.

Rafael Papismedov, co-founder of Signum: “With Signum, our ambition is to fundamentally change the way diamonds are bought and experienced. Not only by fully involving the consumer in the story from rough to polished, but above all by giving them knowledge and insight into the impact their purchase has on the community and environment where their diamond originated. With the pioneering work Valerie has done for the fashion industry, we are confident that she will do the same for the diamond world.”

Valerie Geluykens, head of sustainability, Signum: “I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for sustainability to Signum, which is innovating a radically new approach that is inherently designed to foster transparency, environmental responsibility, and respect for local communities. Through Signum, consumers will be able to experience the possibilities of natural rough diamonds in a groundbreaking way that is environmentally restorative, socially just, and economically inclusive.

Born in the metaverse, Signum – the brainchild of HB Antwerp – combines the awe-inspiring origin story of three-billion-year-old stones with next-gen technology to bring together the entire value chain in Antwerp. Because Signum diamonds are tracked within HB Antwerp’s closed ecosystem from rough to cut, each stone’s impact on people and the environment can be calculated with unprecedented accuracy and clarity.

About Signum
Signum is a luxury experience brand that links physical and digital diamond ownership. Guided by talented artisans in Antwerp – the diamond capital of the world – Signum gives consumers the opportunity to foster the co-creation of a diamond in whatever form is the greatest expression of their individual self, beginning with a rough natural diamond. Through its unique business model and use of blockchain technology, Signum removes its customers from the limitations, conventions and expectations that exist within the traditional diamond buying experience and instead encourages creativity for a truly customizable experience. Signum is reforming diamond mining, embracing entire supply chain tracing, community investment, and incorporated sustainability.

About HB Antwerp
HB Antwerp is a diamond company based in Antwerp that focuses on technology-driven sourcing, analysis and cutting of diamonds. HB Antwerp applies an innovative methodology designed to simplify the complexity and challenges of the global diamond supply chain and increase transparency. HB Antwerp verifies each stage of its value chain using its own unique blockchain and traceability technologies.