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De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine
SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
De Beers Group rolled out a new diamond screening instrument at the Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Show, the SynthDetect 2. The cost of the machine is not being publicly disclosed. It will be available to ship at the beginning of 2027. (Photo courtesy of De Beers Group)
Hong Kong—De Beers Group’s Science & Technology division introduced its first new desktop diamond screening device in nearly a decade at the Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Show, going on now through Sept. 20.
SynthDetect 2, the successor to SynthDetect 1 (introduced in 2017) and the larger SynthDetect XL (introduced in 2018), is designed to be faster and more user friendly, versatile, and cost-effective.
It screens loose diamonds as well as finished jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, tennis bracelets, brooches, and pendants.
De Beers said the machine can scan a full tray in less than five minutes; it took the previous models about 30 minutes to conduct a full-tray scan. A full ring scan takes about six seconds, and scanning a bangle takes 10 seconds.
SynthDetect 2 also can scan a wider range of diamond colors, sizes, and shapes.
De Beers said it can test diamonds that are: D-J in color (lower colors can be tested but are more likely to trigger a “refer” result, which is explained below); 0.001 to 10 carats in size; and of any cut.
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SynthDetect 2, the successor to SynthDetect 1 (introduced in 2017) and the larger SynthDetect XL (introduced in 2018), is designed to be faster and more user friendly, versatile, and cost-effective.
It screens loose diamonds as well as finished jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, tennis bracelets, brooches, and pendants.
De Beers said the machine can scan a full tray in less than five minutes; it took the previous models about 30 minutes to conduct a full-tray scan. A full ring scan takes about six seconds, and scanning a bangle takes 10 seconds.
SynthDetect 2 also can scan a wider range of diamond colors, sizes, and shapes.
De Beers said it can test diamonds that are: D-J in color (lower colors can be tested but are more likely to trigger a “refer” result, which is explained below); 0.001 to 10 carats in size; and of any cut.
Intended for use by diamond and jewelry manufacturers, large retailers, diamond wholesalers or gem labs, SynthDetect 2 is designed to weed out the stones in a parcel or a piece of jewelry that are not natural diamonds.
SynthDetect 2 gives users one of three results: natural, synthetic (lab grown), or refer. Refer means the machine has identified characteristics in the gemstone that need additional examination, either by a gem lab or a more advanced identification tool.
All simulants—cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite, etc.—will receive a “refer,” De Beers notes in its FAQs on the SynthDetect 2.
According to De Beers, the machine correctly identifies about 99 percent of natural diamonds; only about 1 percent of natural diamonds are referred for further testing.
SynthDetect 2 automatically generates reports and conducts automatic software updates.
De Beers is demonstrating the machine in the chancellor room on the fourth floor of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“We have worked closely with industry partners to ensure that SynthDetect 2 is not only tailored to meet diamond companies’ screening requirements, but also to meet their operational needs,” said Sarandos Gouvelis, De Beers’ senior vice president for science and technology.
“Through this process of collaboration, we are proud to introduce SynthDetect 2, providing the trade with an instrument that will integrate seamlessly into their operations, marrying outstanding technical performance with enhanced speed, cost, and efficiency.”
SynthDetect 2 will be ready to ship in the first quarter of 2027. The machine is price upon request.
Orders can be placed online or by emailing DVIsales@debeersgroup.com.
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