SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
GradingMar 28, 2016
De Beers launches high-volume melee testing
De Beers now is using its automated melee screener at its International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research facility in Surat, and plans to launch the service at the IIDGR lab in Antwerp next month.
London--
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
De Beers has begun using its new automated melee screening device at its International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research facility in Surat, and plans to begin offering the same at the IIDGR lab in Antwerp next month.
The device automatically feeds the stones, table-down, into a testing station. After testing, the diamonds are dispensed into one of five bins: pass, refer (more testing is needed), refer Type II (more testing needed, higher likelihood of being synthetic), non-diamond (simulant) or purge (for diamonds that were erroneously loaded into the machine).
They then are returned in a sealed IIDGR package that De Beers said is tamper-proof.
The potential mixing of less-expensive lab-grown diamonds with natural, or mined, diamonds is of growing concern in the industry as diamond growers up production levels and improve quality. Melee is particularly problematic because it often slips through the supply chain untested due to the fact that there aren’t many cost-effective and efficient ways of checking these tiny stones.
In order to combat the problem, De Beers introduced an automated melee screener in January 2014, shortly after the Gemological Institute of America unveiled the DiamondCheck, which also can separate lab-grown melee from mined, starting with diamonds that are as small as one point.
De Beers initially said it would be leasing out the devices to sightholders beginning in the second quarter 2014 and installing multiple machines at the IIDGR in Antwerp later that same year. (The IIDGR in Surat was not yet open at that time.)
David Johnson, a De Beers spokesperson, said that total of five pre-production prototype automated melee screening devices have been in use in Antwerp for two years, as the IIDGR has been testing their durability and accuracy.
The beginning of the service this week marks the transition from testing to widespread use mode for the machine, which IIDGR President Jonathan Kendall said in a statement will “play an important role in supporting both trade and consumer confidence.”
“Sellers will be able to provide potential buyers with pre-checked goods in sealed IIDGR packages, removing any potential concerns around disclosure,” he said.
De Beers began using the automated melee screener, along with other proprietary instruments, at the IIDGR lab in Surat on Wednesday. The facility has a room specifically designed for melee testing.
Melee testing is set to begin Nov. 12 at the IIDGR lab in Antwerp, which also has a room outfitted specifically for melee.
The service will be offered at an introductory discount of 50 percent off in both India and Belgium through the end of the year. For more information, email testing@iidgr.com or visit IIDGR.com.
As for sightholders, De Beers ended up selling, not leasing, them the automated melee screeners.
Large manufacturers including Kiran Gems, Tasaki, Rosy Blue and Stuller have acquired the devices, playing $55,000 plus a three-year support and maintenance charge of $10,000 a year.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
