Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
De Beers Rolls Out XL Version of Lab-Grown Screening Device
The SynthDetect XL allows for more jewelry to be screened at once, the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research said.

London—The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research has introduced SynthDetect XL, an advanced version of the SynthDetect screening device.
IIDGR, which is the De Beers Group’s lab, introduced the SynthDetect machine last year, calling it the first screening device for man-made diamonds that can test multiple stones in set jewelry at once.
It uses IIDGR’s patented luminescence technology to screen diamonds of all sizes in rings, earrings, bangles, brooches and necklaces.
Now, IIDGR unveiled a new version of the machine at the recently concluded Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
SynthDetect XL has a larger base unit that allows for more jewelry to be screened simultaneously, like larger necklaces, multiple solitaire rings and multiple bracelets.
The new version still uses the detection techniques for identifying natural (mined) diamonds developed for the original SynthDetect device, meaning if a stone in a piece of jewelry doesn’t display the attributes of a natural diamond, it is highlighted immediately and with a high degree of accuracy.
De Beers did not respond to an email by press time inquiring about the machine’s availability and pricing. (The original SynthDetect costs $16,250.)
“We’re delighted to be introducing the next innovation in IIDGR’s range of industry-leading synthetic screening devices, SynthDetect XL,” IIDGR President Jonathan Kendall said. “Using the same revolutionary technology as the original SynthDetect, this new device allows more pieces of jewelry to be screened at a faster rate than ever before. SynthDetect XL will be another valuable tool for the trade, building on the strong positive feedback we’ve received since launching the first SynthDetect last year.”
The Latest

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.


McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

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.

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
























