De Beers Group is introducing a new diamond verification instrument that can screen and authenticate melee diamonds in larger quantities.

The new device, to be launched in early 2023, will enable automated and rapid verification of up to 3,600 diamonds per hour in the 0.001 carat to 0.0033 carat (0.6 to 1.0mm) size range, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the process for volume synthetic screening of diamonds of this size. 

Ignite, De Beers Group’s core innovation team that engages in a full spectrum of innovation activities including fundamental research, incubation, commercial technologies, ecosystem partnerships and corporate venturing, is developing the product.

With its automated feed and dispense function and very low referral rate, the device can easily be operated in-house with no specialist expertise required. Ignite also worked alongside several customer-businesses to ensure that the instrument meets clients’ specific synthetic screening and diamond verification needs, adding value from both an operational and commercial perspective, De Beers said. 

Sarandos Gouvelis, head of De Beers Group’s Ignite division, remarked, “This new instrument will play an important role in continuing to enhance our comprehensive suite of leading-edge technology for screening of synthetic or laboratory-grown diamonds right down to the smallest sizes, while making it easier and quicker for diamond businesses to assure product integrity.”

De Beers Group has been developing screening and verification technology since the early 1990s. Its first instrument, DiamondSure I, was created in 1992, followed by DiamondView I. To date, a total of 11 diamond screening and verification instruments have been developed by De Beers Group.