Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
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
The Latest
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.