GradingNov 08, 2022
De Beers to Launch New Melee Screening Device TechnologyNov 21, 2022
Version 2.0 of the NDC’s ‘Assure’ Directory Is Now Live
Assure is the program the Natural Diamond Council launched in 2019 to test lab-grown diamond screening devices.
The directory for instruments verified so far in the second round of Assure, the Natural Diamond Council’s third-party testing and verification program for diamond screening devices, is now available online.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council announced last week that version 2.0 of the Assure online directory is now live.
Assure is the program NDC launched in 2019 to test and analyze the performance of as many diamond verification instruments—devices designed to tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as well as diamond simulants—on the market as possible.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Canton, Massachusetts, and the University of Antwerp in Belgium perform the testing.
NDC said this second round of the program and its updated directory show the results of testing the machines on an updated sample of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants in a range of sizes.
The sample is curated to reflect goods currently in the market, as well as “individual stones that anticipate future trends and pose some of the greatest challenges,” NDC said.
“It would be no good to test these machines using synthetic stones that are known to be easier to identify,” explained Grant Mobley, NDC’s jewelry and watch editor. “We need to make sure these machines work under the most difficult scenarios possible with the most difficult-to-identify stones as possible, as well as the most common types of synthetics on the market.
“In order to do this, we work with gem labs to secure the most common types of stones as well as stones they have identified as more difficult to identify. These more difficult stones are usually very rare on the market, some developed specifically to try to ‘fool’ the machines, but we want to make sure the machines can test them regardless.”
The second version of the program also tests diamonds already set into jewelry, whether in an open- or closed-back mounting.
Related stories will be right here …
Assure is the program NDC launched in 2019 to test and analyze the performance of as many diamond verification instruments—devices designed to tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as well as diamond simulants—on the market as possible.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Canton, Massachusetts, and the University of Antwerp in Belgium perform the testing.
NDC said this second round of the program and its updated directory show the results of testing the machines on an updated sample of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants in a range of sizes.
The sample is curated to reflect goods currently in the market, as well as “individual stones that anticipate future trends and pose some of the greatest challenges,” NDC said.
“It would be no good to test these machines using synthetic stones that are known to be easier to identify,” explained Grant Mobley, NDC’s jewelry and watch editor. “We need to make sure these machines work under the most difficult scenarios possible with the most difficult-to-identify stones as possible, as well as the most common types of synthetics on the market.
“In order to do this, we work with gem labs to secure the most common types of stones as well as stones they have identified as more difficult to identify. These more difficult stones are usually very rare on the market, some developed specifically to try to ‘fool’ the machines, but we want to make sure the machines can test them regardless.”
The second version of the program also tests diamonds already set into jewelry, whether in an open- or closed-back mounting.
Currently, there are only three lab-grown diamond screening devices listed in the Assure 2.0 directory: De Beers Group’s DiamondSure and SynthDetect, and M-Screen Ultra from HRD Antwerp.
Mobley said “many more” will be added in the coming weeks as manufacturers submit their newest machines to test.
He also noted the Assure program is ongoing, so as new machines come to market, NDC will work with the manufacturer to try to get them in for testing.
NDC said this updated version of the online directory has improved search filters to allow users to more easily find instruments based on their needs: types of diamonds used, volumes of diamonds processed, size of device, level of expertise required, etc.
The new portal also provides more details on the Assure 2.0 program as well as information on how to protect the integrity of the diamond pipeline.
Previously published test results will still be available via the Assure 1.0 directory.
Manufacturers of diamond verification instruments can now submit to the program both new and existing instruments whose Assure verification is about to expire. (Companies that submit machines for testing receive an “Assure Tested” sticker to place on their instruments. The results, and the sticker, are good for two years. After that, the machine must be resubmitted for testing to still claim to be “Assure Tested.”)
For more information or questions, email assure@naturaldiamonds.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Technology
The Latest
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, 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.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
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.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
