Lab-GrownSep 27, 2021
RJC Is Developing a Standard for Lab-Grown Diamonds, GemsTechnologySep 28, 2021
NDC’s Assure Program Adding Mounted Jewelry Testing
Assure has also enlisted a second lab for testing, at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.
The Natural Diamond Council’s Assure Program is launching version 2.0 this fall, adding testing for diamonds set into jewelry and enlisting a second lab as a testing site in Antwerp.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council announced Monday the Assure Program will begin testing mounted jewelry this fall and will be doubling its testing capacity by adding a second lab.
Launched in 2019, Assure uses third-party entities to test and provide feedback on the instruments designed to separate natural diamonds from lab-grown stones and simulants.
The program launched in 2019, testing loose stones on instruments from manufacturers including De Beers Group, the Gemological Institute of America, Presidium, DRC Techno, and more.
Assure 2.0 will expand to gauge the machines’ capability to test diamonds set into jewelry, with both open- and closed-back mounted stones included in the testing regimen, NDC said.
In addition, Assure has enlisted a second lab for the program, located at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.
Related stories will be right here …
Launched in 2019, Assure uses third-party entities to test and provide feedback on the instruments designed to separate natural diamonds from lab-grown stones and simulants.
The program launched in 2019, testing loose stones on instruments from manufacturers including De Beers Group, the Gemological Institute of America, Presidium, DRC Techno, and more.
Assure 2.0 will expand to gauge the machines’ capability to test diamonds set into jewelry, with both open- and closed-back mounted stones included in the testing regimen, NDC said.
In addition, Assure has enlisted a second lab for the program, located at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.
This facility will operate alongside the original Assure testing location, UL in Canton, Massachusetts, using the same samples and procedures.
NDC said the addition of the Antwerp lab will double its testing capacity.
It also will add geographic diversity, giving instrument manufacturers a European point of contact rather than having to send all their machines to the United States.
Manufacturers are invited to submit new instruments as well as existing instruments due for testing again (the Assure Tested Certification expires after two years) to the Assure program starting in October.
“Everyone is responsible for correctly disclosing the nature of the product they are selling, but to facilitate this we need robust diamond verification instruments that are rigorously tested,” said Raluca Anghel, NDC’s head of external affairs and industry relations.
“With this latest iteration of the Assure program, manufacturers will be presented with vital information to continue improving their devices, and consumers can be assured of the vigorous steps taken to ensure their confidence.”
A complete guide to Assure-tested devices is available on the NDC website.
Manufacturers interested in exploring individual projects with Assure, like supporting internal research, calibrating instruments, and testing new devices, can email the program at assure@naturaldiamonds.com.
“With this latest iteration of the Assure program, manufacturers will be presented with vital information to continue improving their devices, and consumers can be assured of the vigorous steps taken to ensure their confidence.”
A complete guide to Assure-tested devices is available on the NDC website.
Manufacturers interested in exploring individual projects with Assure, like supporting internal research, calibrating instruments, and testing new devices, can email the program at assure@naturaldiamonds.com.
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsNov 13, 2026
Historic ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Achieves $4.9M at Sotheby’sThe 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
