De Beers Group has unveiled SynthDetect 2, a faster and more automated diamond screening instrument designed to fit into the everyday operations of manufacturers, laboratories and jewellery retailers.
The desktop machine can screen loose and mounted diamonds from 0.001 to 10 carats, including stones set in rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. It classifies results as natural, synthetic or refer, with the latter requiring further examination.
The most commercially significant development is speed. De Beers said a full tray scan, previously taking around 30 minutes, can now be completed in under five. A bangle can be scanned in 10 seconds and a rotational ring scan in six seconds.
That improvement could help shift screening from a process reserved for particular transactions or batches into a more routine quality-control measure. Increased automation also means the instrument requires limited operator input and can be used by trained retail staff without specialist gemmological knowledge.
SynthDetect 2 automatically produces reports recording information including the screening result, time, instrument identification and report reference. Results can be stored and accessed through a cloud platform, creating a record that could support internal controls and customer assurance.
