Industry’s first synthetic detector for set jewellery comes to market

The International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research (IIDGR), a De Beers company, has announced what it claims is the first synthetic screening device for set jewellery, SYNTHdetect, now available for delivery.

SYNTHdetect is the only synthetic screening device that has been designed specifically for jewellery retailers, allowing them to quickly and easily ensure the authenticity of diamonds.

It works by detecting whether diamonds are natural, rather than seeking to identify synthetic characteristics. It also claims the industry’s lowest referral rate at around 0.05%.

The instrument, which costs $16,250 (£12,264) uses IIDGR’s patented luminescence technology to rapidly and simultaneously screen stones set in a wide range of jewellery pieces, without the need for a probe.

Jonathan Kendall, president of IIDGR, said: “Since unveiling SYNTHdetect in June, we have already received significant interest and pre-orders from many of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, demonstrating a strong desire from the industry for a device that allows them to quickly and easily screen diamonds at their own premises.

“With the industry’s lowest referral rate, SYNTHdetect dramatically reduces the need for additional off-site testing, making it the ideal solution for retailers and jewellery manufacturers.”

Diamond businesses interested in placing orders for a SYNTHdetect device can do so by emailing the IIDGR.