New diamond verification instrument for smallest sizes being developed by De Beers Group Ignite
Due to launch to the broader market in 2023, automated melee screening and verification of large volumes of melee will be possible down to a tenth of a point in size (0.001 carats).
De Beers Group Ignite (‘Ignite’) is pleased to announce it will launch a new diamond verification instrument in early 2023. The new instrument, part of the AMS range, will enable automated and rapid verification of up to 3,600 diamonds per hour in the 0.001 carat to 0.0033 carat (Ø0.6 to Ø1.0mm) size range, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the process for volume screening diamonds of this size.
The instrument has been in development for the past 18 months and with its automated feed and dispense function and very low referral rate, can also be easily operated in-house with no specialist expertise required. It is the next evolution in Ignite’s extensive range of diamond verification devices, which continue to lead the development of cutting-edge technology across the diamond value chain.
In developing its latest instrument, Ignite has undertaken a collaborative approach that has involved working alongside several customer businesses to ensure the development path is focused on meeting clients’ specific screening and verification needs, adding value from both an operational and commercial perspective.
Sarandos Gouvelis, Head of De Beers Group’s Ignite division said: “We constantly challenge ourselves to find new ways to ensure we are meeting the industry’s needs at all stages of the pipeline with our advanced innovation and technology solutions. We believe 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.
“With this new collaborative approach to development, we’ve been able to ensure a clear understanding of our customers’ perspectives and make sure that what we deliver is the right fit to meet their needs. We have found the process to be very valuable for all involved over the last year of development, and we would invite other industry businesses to let us know if there are any specific challenges where they believe such an approach could pay dividends.”
De Beers Group has developed screening and verification technology at its innovation, science, and technology hub in Maidenhead since the early 1990s. The company’s first instrument, the DiamondSure I, was developed in 1992, which was quickly followed up by DiamondView I. Both Instruments were offered for sale to the broader industry in 1998 following a feature review by the award-winning Journal, Gems & Gemology.
To date a total of 11 diamond screening and verification instruments have been developed by De Beers Group to accurately screens loose and mounted diamonds in jewellery, now with the ability to rapidly, automatically screen, verify and disclose the integrity of diamonds down to the smallest melee range.
The new instrument is expected to move into production with pre-orders in the first quarter of 2023.
About De Beers Group Ignite
De Beers Group Ignite is a leading innovation, science and technology division of De Beers Group. It develops and provides sustainable, cutting-edge technology and innovative new products and services for the diamond industry, from exploration to diamond recovery, and from rough diamond sorting to polished diamond screening and verification. Through continued research, development, and innovation, De Beers Group Ignite’s leading-edge diamond verification instruments are available to all members of the diamond pipeline, supporting pipeline integrity and consumer confidence in natural diamonds.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the De Beers Group strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions, such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives GemFair and Tracr. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group.
