GradingNov 08, 2022
De Beers to Launch New Melee Screening Device TechnologyNov 21, 2022
Version 2.0 of the NDC’s ‘Assure’ Directory Is Now Live
Assure is the program the Natural Diamond Council launched in 2019 to test lab-grown diamond screening devices.
The directory for instruments verified so far in the second round of Assure, the Natural Diamond Council’s third-party testing and verification program for diamond screening devices, is now available online.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council announced last week that version 2.0 of the Assure online directory is now live.
Assure is the program NDC launched in 2019 to test and analyze the performance of as many diamond verification instruments—devices designed to tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as well as diamond simulants—on the market as possible.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Canton, Massachusetts, and the University of Antwerp in Belgium perform the testing.
NDC said this second round of the program and its updated directory show the results of testing the machines on an updated sample of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants in a range of sizes.
The sample is curated to reflect goods currently in the market, as well as “individual stones that anticipate future trends and pose some of the greatest challenges,” NDC said.
“It would be no good to test these machines using synthetic stones that are known to be easier to identify,” explained Grant Mobley, NDC’s jewelry and watch editor. “We need to make sure these machines work under the most difficult scenarios possible with the most difficult-to-identify stones as possible, as well as the most common types of synthetics on the market.
“In order to do this, we work with gem labs to secure the most common types of stones as well as stones they have identified as more difficult to identify. These more difficult stones are usually very rare on the market, some developed specifically to try to ‘fool’ the machines, but we want to make sure the machines can test them regardless.”
The second version of the program also tests diamonds already set into jewelry, whether in an open- or closed-back mounting.
Related stories will be right here …
Assure is the program NDC launched in 2019 to test and analyze the performance of as many diamond verification instruments—devices designed to tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, as well as diamond simulants—on the market as possible.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Canton, Massachusetts, and the University of Antwerp in Belgium perform the testing.
NDC said this second round of the program and its updated directory show the results of testing the machines on an updated sample of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants in a range of sizes.
The sample is curated to reflect goods currently in the market, as well as “individual stones that anticipate future trends and pose some of the greatest challenges,” NDC said.
“It would be no good to test these machines using synthetic stones that are known to be easier to identify,” explained Grant Mobley, NDC’s jewelry and watch editor. “We need to make sure these machines work under the most difficult scenarios possible with the most difficult-to-identify stones as possible, as well as the most common types of synthetics on the market.
“In order to do this, we work with gem labs to secure the most common types of stones as well as stones they have identified as more difficult to identify. These more difficult stones are usually very rare on the market, some developed specifically to try to ‘fool’ the machines, but we want to make sure the machines can test them regardless.”
The second version of the program also tests diamonds already set into jewelry, whether in an open- or closed-back mounting.
Currently, there are only three lab-grown diamond screening devices listed in the Assure 2.0 directory: De Beers Group’s DiamondSure and SynthDetect, and M-Screen Ultra from HRD Antwerp.
Mobley said “many more” will be added in the coming weeks as manufacturers submit their newest machines to test.
He also noted the Assure program is ongoing, so as new machines come to market, NDC will work with the manufacturer to try to get them in for testing.
NDC said this updated version of the online directory has improved search filters to allow users to more easily find instruments based on their needs: types of diamonds used, volumes of diamonds processed, size of device, level of expertise required, etc.
The new portal also provides more details on the Assure 2.0 program as well as information on how to protect the integrity of the diamond pipeline.
Previously published test results will still be available via the Assure 1.0 directory.
Manufacturers of diamond verification instruments can now submit to the program both new and existing instruments whose Assure verification is about to expire. (Companies that submit machines for testing receive an “Assure Tested” sticker to place on their instruments. The results, and the sticker, are good for two years. After that, the machine must be resubmitted for testing to still claim to be “Assure Tested.”)
For more information or questions, email assure@naturaldiamonds.com.
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
