The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
De Beers melee screeners go to Tasaki, Rosy Blue
Sightholders Tasaki and Rosy Blue, along with Kiran Gems in Mumbai, are among the first to begin using the new Automated Melee Screening device created by De Beers Technologies UK to separate natural melee from lab-grown.
London--Sightholders Tasaki and Rosy Blue, along with Kiran Gems in Mumbai, are among the first to begin using the new Automated Melee Screening device created by De Beers Technologies UK to separate natural melee from lab-grown.
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), a De Beers-owned and -operated laboratory in Antwerp, said this week that the first installation of and training on the AMS devices took place at the end of June at Tasaki and Rosy Blue in Japan.
Though De Beers previously said it planned to lease the devices, they now are being sold to sightholders for $55,000 with a three-year support and maintenance charge of $10,000 a year.
RELATED CONTENT: De Beers deploys first wave of melee screeners
De Beers Technologies UK developed the AMS devices, which screen round colorless or near-colorless diamonds as small as one point and up to 0.20 carats to determine if they are natural diamonds.
The device can handle as much as 500 carats of melee at once and automatically feeds the stones, table-down, into a measurement station, meaning that the device can run unattended once the stones are loaded.
The machines can screen about 360 stones per hour. Following testing, the diamonds automatically are dispensed into bins indicating if they are natural diamonds, need further testing or are not diamonds at all.
Following the installation of the machines at Rosy Blue and Tasaki, De Beers is beginning a phased rollout of the AMS devices to sightholder facilities in Antwerp, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Tel Aviv, with IIDGR technicians working in all these locations to install the devices and train sightholders on how to use them.
Plans call for the diamond miner and marketer to install an AMS device at the IIDGR in September, making its melee screening available to the trade more broadly.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
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.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
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.