De Beers’ International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) has launched its unique device, SYNTHdetect – said to be the industry’s first synthetic screening device for set jewellery – in the market. 

“SYNTHdetect is the only synthetic screening device that has been designed specifically for jewellery retailers, allowing them to quickly and easily ensure the authenticity of the diamonds they purchase,” the Company announced.

What differentiates the device is its “unique approach of detecting whether diamonds are natural, rather than seeking to identify synthetic characteristics”, say its developers. As a result, the device has the industry’s lowest referral rate of around 0.05 per cent.

Available at a price of US$ 16,250, the instrument uses IIDGR’s patented luminescence technology to rapidly and simultaneously screen stones set in a wide range of jewellery pieces, without the need for a probe.

“Since unveiling SYNTHdetect in June, we have already received significant interest and pre-orders from many of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, demonstrating a strong desire from the industry for a device that allows them to quickly and easily screen diamonds at their own premises,” said Jonathan Kendall, President, IIDGR. “With the industry’s lowest referral rate, SYNTHdetect dramatically reduces the need for additional off-site testing, making it the ideal solution for retailers and jewellery manufacturers.”

Also, later this week, at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, IIGDR will launch its second education course, the Diamond Foundation Course, the institute announced.

This is an entry-level course for employees of both, the retail and manufacturing businesses; as well as those looking to join the industry. “The online Diamond Foundation Course is focused on extending participants’ knowledge beyond the 4Cs, providing an understanding of the entire diamond pipeline and key issues affecting the sector,” IIGDR described.

This course follows on the heels of the Synthetic Diamond Detection training course, which was launched earlier this year. It attracted strong international interest; and courses have been run in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, the US and the UK to date.

Jodine Perrin, Director of Education, IIDGR, commented: “We are delighted to be extending IIDGR’s education services with the launch of the Diamond Foundation Course, which provides a comprehensive overview of diamonds and all aspects of the industry value chain for those already working in the diamond jewellery industry, as well as those new to the sector.”