Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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--
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.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.