The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
AGS Laboratories Launches Natural Diamond Verification
The American Gem Society Laboratories is offering the service to distinguish if a diamond is natural or synthetic, and if it has been HPHT treated.

Las Vegas--The American Gem Society Laboratories has launched a new natural diamond verification service.
The service will ascertain if a diamond is natural or synthetic, and if it has been HPHT (high-pressure high-temperature) treated.
AGS Laboratories conducts the verification service within a 48 hour time frame. After being verified as natural, retailers can choose to have their diamonds graded by AGS Labs, in which case the natural diamond verification service fee is waived.
The verification service is available via standard diamond testing protocol, the lab said. Similar services for melee measuring 0.1 to 0.18 carats will be available in the future.
“In today’s marketplace, transparency is more important than ever,” said AGS Laboratories and American Gem Society CEO Ruth Batson. “The natural diamond verification service will help communicate the scientific facts, clearly and effectively, providing retailers with one less concern as a business person.”
The Latest

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.


The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

























