CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
GradingJun 13, 2017
De Beers Lab Introduces Screening Device for Set Jewelry
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research said it is the first device in the industry that can test multiple stones set in jewelry at once.
Las Vegas--The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research just introduced what it says is the first screening device for man-made diamonds that can test multiple stones in set jewelry at once.
The De Beers Group-owned lab, which has facilities in the U.K., India and Belgium, previewed the device at the recent JCK Las Vegas show.
Called SYNTHdetect, it uses IIDGR’s patented luminescence technology to screen diamonds of all sizes that already have been set in rings, earrings, bangles, brooches and necklaces.
The IIDGR’s Christopher Sanger said what sets the device apart is its ability to test multiple diamonds at once and not have to screen them one by one.
“If you had a ring with 300 melee stones in it, you could test them as one, rather than a probe, where you’d have to individually do each one,” he told National Jeweler via email. “This is the unique thing about this new instrument, and something no other can do.”
The IIDGR said that the referral rate for SYNTHdetect--meaning the number of natural (mined) diamonds that erroneously get referred for further testing--is 0.05 percent, the lowest in the industry. (As with other detection instruments, any stones that are referred should be submitted to a grading lab for further testing.)
Intended for back-office use by jewelry manufacturers and retailers, it is priced at $16,250.
The SYNTHdetect machine is slightly bigger than a PC and has a touch-screen monitor. It will be available for distribution in the fall.
The device is the latest in a line of second-generation detection instruments for man-made diamonds developed by IIDGR, following on the heels of the PhosView last year, which is designed to scan parcels of diamonds, and the AMS2 this spring, the updated version of its automated melee screener.
It also is the second man-made diamond screening device for set jewelry introduced by a major laboratory this year.
Back in April, the Gemological Institute of America unveiled a prototype of a machine that tests both mounted and unmounted diamonds to separate HPHT- and CVD-grown diamonds from mined stones.
The GIA’s device, which will be available by the end of the year and cost between $4,000 and $5,000, tests gems one by one using a spectroscopic probe to examine the fluorescence spectra of each stone. The lab said it refers 100 percent of man-made diamonds.
The IIDGR is taking orders for SYNTHdetect now, with deliveries beginning
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
