A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
GIA Debuts Screening Device for Mounted Gems
The Gemological Institute of America said the instrument, which will be priced between $4,000 and $5,000, will be available by the end of the year.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America is introducing a new device that it says will be able to detect lab-grown and treated diamonds even if they already are mounted.
The GIA debuted a prototype of the instrument at the Diamond Detection Expo and Symposium sponsored by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and held in Surat, India last week.
“There is perhaps no greater issue in the gem and jewelry trade today than concerns about the possibility of undisclosed synthetic diamonds being inadvertently sold to consumers,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“This new instrument is the culmination of more than 60 years of GIA research into synthetic diamonds and will give the trade--including retail jewelers--the ability to have immediate confidence in their diamonds.”
The mounted gem testing device uses advanced spectroscopic technology to identify untreated natural diamonds, D to Z in color, and at least 0.9 mm (approximately 0.005 carats) or larger in diameter. It analyzes both mounted and unmounted stones.
GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses added that, “Synthetic diamonds are becoming more prevalent in the market and, if they are disclosed, are a legitimate choice for consumers. GIA and other gemological laboratories play a critical role in ensuring that disclosure.”
The GIA said that the desktop instrument will be available by the end of the year and will be priced between $4,000 and $5,000.
This is the latest initiative the lab has taken to aid in detection of lab-grown diamonds. Last year, it introduced its melee analysis service.
The Latest

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.


Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.





















