Technology

Version 2.0 of the NDC’s ‘Assure’ Directory Is Now Live

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.

20221121_NDC Assure 2.jpg
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 … 

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

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

American Gem Trade Association and University of Arizona
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

JA New York Show Entrance
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 Show

A Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Gwen Beloti, Lisa Bridge, Eddie Plein, Anna Samsonova
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.

For Future Reference Vintage turquoise necklace
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month

Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

People outside holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF

A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.

Stock photo of diamonds
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.

Grandview Klein Diamond Group Staff
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 Years

The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.

30.101-carat very light pink diamond
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at Bonhams

The Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy