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
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand AmbassadorThe actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description SoftwareGemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
