GradingOct 26, 2022
SSEF Introduces Automated Diamond Screener for Very Small Melee GradingNov 08, 2022
De Beers to Launch New Melee Screening Device
Set to roll out in early 2023, it will enable verification of up to 3,600 diamonds per hour for stones as small as 0.001 carats.
De Beers’ new screening device can verify diamonds as small as 0.6 mm.
London—De Beers Ignite, the science and technology division of De Beers Group, has announced it will launch a new diamond verification instrument early next year.
Part of the company’s automated melee screening range, the new device will enable automated and rapid verification of up to 3,600 diamonds per hour in the 0.001-carat to 0.0033-carat (or 0.6 mm to 1 mm) size range.
The previous instrument, the AMS2, can process up to 3,000 stones per hour and screen diamonds between 0.0033 carats and 0.2 carats.
The previous instrument, the AMS2, can process up to 3,000 stones per hour and screen diamonds between 0.0033 carats and 0.2 carats.
De Beers said that with its automated feed, dispense function, and low referral rate of less than 1 percent, the new device can be operated in-house with no specialist expertise required.
The company developed the instrument over the past 18 months, using a collaborative approach that involved working alongside several customer businesses to ensure it was meeting clients’ screening and diamond verification needs.
“We constantly challenge ourselves to find new ways to ensure we are meeting the industry’s needs at all stages of the pipeline with our advanced innovation and technology solutions,” said Sarandos Gouvelis, head of De Beers Group’s Ignite division.
“We believe this new instrument will play an important role in continuing to enhance our comprehensive suite of leading-edge technology for screening of synthetic or laboratory-grown diamonds right down to the smallest sizes, while making it easier and quicker for diamond businesses to assure product integrity.”
De Beers has been developing diamond screening and verification technology at its science and tech hub in Maidenhead in the United Kingdom since the early 1990s.
Its first instrument was the DiamondSure I in 1992, quickly followed by the DiamondView I. De Beers offered both for sale to the industry in 1998 after they appeared in an article in GIA’s Gems & Gemology journal.
The company has developed 11 instruments to screen loose and mounted diamonds to verify their lab-grown or natural origin to date.
De Beers expects the new instrument to begin production with pre-orders in the first quarter of 2023.
There is no pricing information yet available for the new device.
Those interested in a demonstration, which De Beers said is available for a limited time, should email contactignite@debeersgroup.com.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov. 9 to include information about the screening capacity of the AMS2 and the referral rate of the new device.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov. 9 to include information about the screening capacity of the AMS2 and the referral rate of the new device.
More on Grading
The Latest
EditorsOct 24, 2024
From a Witch to Wednesday: The Best Jewelry to Wear With Your Halloween CostumeFor her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3 Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.
Events & AwardsOct 24, 2024
JA New York Fall Show Announces Education LineupThe education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
MajorsOct 24, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Releases 2024-2025 Catalog The book features new styles and revived favorites.
Weekly QuizOct 24, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 23, 2024
De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.
EditorsOct 23, 2024
The Modern Bride’s Approach to Wedding-Day JewelryEditor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Lab-GrownOct 23, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
IndependentsOct 23, 2024
Jade Trau Sails OverseasThe New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
See Scott West Jewelry’s ‘Kryptonite’ and ‘Joker’ RingsThey’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.
WatchesOct 23, 2024
How to Get a Timex Watch for $1The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.
SourcingOct 23, 2024
GemFair Buys 10,000th DiamondLaunched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
Robinson Pelham Releases New Jewels Just in Time for the Holidays The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.
AuctionsOct 22, 2024
Phillips to Auction Rare 18-Carat Burmese Ruby The auction house said the gemstone could fetch up to $5.5 million at next month’s sale.
ColumnistsOct 22, 2024
The Smart Lab: Tips for Preparing for Your Best Q4 YetFrom prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2024
WJA Foundation Names First Winner of Hedda Schupak Scholarship Journalist Priya Raj plans to use the scholarship funds to further her media qualifications and amplify marginalized communities.
MajorsOct 22, 2024
WNBA Champions New York Liberty Take Home Tiffany & Co. TrophyIt marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.
IndependentsOct 22, 2024
Sissy’s Log Cabin To Open Seventh StoreThe Arkansas-based jeweler’s first store in the state’s northwest region is set to open next year.
SourcingOct 21, 2024
De Beers to List Single Country of Origin for Some of Its Diamonds It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.
CollectionsOct 21, 2024
Pandora Turns Things Upside Down in New ‘Stranger Things’ CollectionThe capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.
AuctionsOct 18, 2024
Piece of the Week: Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch NecklaceThe New York socialite’s elegant, transformable piece from the 1960s is headed to auction later this month.
Recorded WebinarsOct 18, 2024
Watch: 2 Experts on the Challenges of Appraising Lab-Grown DiamondsTexas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.
CrimeOct 18, 2024
The End of an Era: John Kennedy Reflects On 32 Years at JSA On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.
MajorsOct 17, 2024
Retailer Hall of Fame 2024: Gina DrososSignet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
AuctionsOct 17, 2024
Shirley Bassey’s ‘Baignoire’ Breaks Auction Record Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.
Policies & IssuesOct 17, 2024
Ethical Gem Fair Returns to BrooklynThe event is slated for Oct. 17-19.
