CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
GradingJun 13, 2017
De Beers Lab Introduces Screening Device for Set Jewelry
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research said it is the first device in the industry that can test multiple stones set in jewelry at once.
Las Vegas--The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research just introduced what it says is the first screening device for man-made diamonds that can test multiple stones in set jewelry at once.
The De Beers Group-owned lab, which has facilities in the U.K., India and Belgium, previewed the device at the recent JCK Las Vegas show.
Called SYNTHdetect, it uses IIDGR’s patented luminescence technology to screen diamonds of all sizes that already have been set in rings, earrings, bangles, brooches and necklaces.
The IIDGR’s Christopher Sanger said what sets the device apart is its ability to test multiple diamonds at once and not have to screen them one by one.
“If you had a ring with 300 melee stones in it, you could test them as one, rather than a probe, where you’d have to individually do each one,” he told National Jeweler via email. “This is the unique thing about this new instrument, and something no other can do.”
The IIDGR said that the referral rate for SYNTHdetect--meaning the number of natural (mined) diamonds that erroneously get referred for further testing--is 0.05 percent, the lowest in the industry. (As with other detection instruments, any stones that are referred should be submitted to a grading lab for further testing.)
Intended for back-office use by jewelry manufacturers and retailers, it is priced at $16,250.
The SYNTHdetect machine is slightly bigger than a PC and has a touch-screen monitor. It will be available for distribution in the fall.
The device is the latest in a line of second-generation detection instruments for man-made diamonds developed by IIDGR, following on the heels of the PhosView last year, which is designed to scan parcels of diamonds, and the AMS2 this spring, the updated version of its automated melee screener.
It also is the second man-made diamond screening device for set jewelry introduced by a major laboratory this year.
Back in April, the Gemological Institute of America unveiled a prototype of a machine that tests both mounted and unmounted diamonds to separate HPHT- and CVD-grown diamonds from mined stones.
The GIA’s device, which will be available by the end of the year and cost between $4,000 and $5,000, tests gems one by one using a spectroscopic probe to examine the fluorescence spectra of each stone. The lab said it refers 100 percent of man-made diamonds.
The IIDGR is taking orders for SYNTHdetect now, with deliveries beginning
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
