GradingOct 21, 2022
Why AGS Is Closing Its Lab, Merging It With GIA GradingOct 26, 2022
SSEF Introduces Automated Diamond Screener for Very Small Melee
Created with Swiss robotics company Unimec, the ASDI-500 can screen stones as small as 0.5 mm at a speed of 700 stones per hour.
The ASDI-500, developed by SSEF and Unimec, can screen stones as small as 0.5 mm at a speed of 700 stones per hour. It will be unveiled at GemGenève International Gem & Jewellery Show in November.
Basel, Switzerland—The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and Swiss robotics company Unimec have released a new version of the Automated Diamond Spectral Inspection (ASDI) device that can screen diamonds as small as 0.5 mm in diameter.
First launched eight years ago, SSEF developed the ASDI to protect the Swiss watch and jewelry industry, a major consumer of melee diamonds, from undisclosed lab-grown diamonds and simulants.
It was the first device to automatically screen large batches of colorless diamonds, SSEF said.
Still, there was no automated solution for the authentication of very small melee, and SSEF and UNIMEC responded by developing the ASDI-500, which can screen large quantities of round colorless polished diamond melee to detect synthetics and simulants.
The new ASDI-500 can analyze diamonds ranging from 0.50 to 3.80 mm in diameter at an average sorting speed of 700 stones per hour.
Unimec made this possible by integrating within the instrument its fast pick-and-place robot, which has a positioning precision of 5 microns, or 0.005 mm.
The ASDI-500 can detect both HPHT and CVD grown diamonds as well as diamond simulants.
“The ASDI-500 is the first-ever automatic machine to fill the gap between approximately 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm,” said Jean-Pierre Chalain, director of SSEF’s diamond department. “To an uninformed person, this gap may seem insignificant, but traders and consumers of melee know that it represents millions of diamonds per month.”
The ASDI-500 will be unveiled at the GemGenève International Gem & Jewellery Show, slated for Nov. 3-6 at Palexpo in Geneva.
Interested parties can reach out to SSEF for a viewing of the instrument.
The cost of the machine will be announced at the trade show.
The ASDI-500 is being manufactured and commercialized by UNIMEC SA. For more information, contact marketing@unimecsa.ch.
Related stories will be right here …
First launched eight years ago, SSEF developed the ASDI to protect the Swiss watch and jewelry industry, a major consumer of melee diamonds, from undisclosed lab-grown diamonds and simulants.
It was the first device to automatically screen large batches of colorless diamonds, SSEF said.
Still, there was no automated solution for the authentication of very small melee, and SSEF and UNIMEC responded by developing the ASDI-500, which can screen large quantities of round colorless polished diamond melee to detect synthetics and simulants.
The new ASDI-500 can analyze diamonds ranging from 0.50 to 3.80 mm in diameter at an average sorting speed of 700 stones per hour.
Unimec made this possible by integrating within the instrument its fast pick-and-place robot, which has a positioning precision of 5 microns, or 0.005 mm.
The ASDI-500 can detect both HPHT and CVD grown diamonds as well as diamond simulants.
“The ASDI-500 is the first-ever automatic machine to fill the gap between approximately 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm,” said Jean-Pierre Chalain, director of SSEF’s diamond department. “To an uninformed person, this gap may seem insignificant, but traders and consumers of melee know that it represents millions of diamonds per month.”
The ASDI-500 will be unveiled at the GemGenève International Gem & Jewellery Show, slated for Nov. 3-6 at Palexpo in Geneva.
Interested parties can reach out to SSEF for a viewing of the instrument.
The cost of the machine will be announced at the trade show.
The ASDI-500 is being manufactured and commercialized by UNIMEC SA. For more information, contact marketing@unimecsa.ch.
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
