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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“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
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.
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.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
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.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
