GIA Adds Low-Cost Lab-Made Diamond Detection Service

[Karl_K]

"Addressing concerns in the market that smaller goods are more prone to be undisclosed lab-made diamonds, the GIA is adding a $12 per stone identification option for diamonds 0.20 carats and smaller to its Quality Assurance services."

"According to a release from the lab, the new Diamond Quality Assurance service is, "specifically designed to randomly screen parcels of small diamonds," and "combines screening for synthetics with color treatment detection."



However, GIA also states that all stones submitted for GIA grading and identification services will continue to be screened for synthetics and treatments as part of the grading process."

http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=36967

 

[Karl_K]

I think this is a good service but what the industry really needs is easy to use detection tools that are fast enough to do high volume quickly.

Then another low cost tool easy to use tool for the jeweler level.

Then this service could be used to spot check questionable stones.

 

[denverappraiser]

This will be a VERY helpful service, and not just for jewelers. The first test for a jeweler or manufacturer for the quality of materials is to ask their supplier. If the supplier won’t say or claims to not know, don’t buy from them. Large users like Walmart, Zales or QVC will routinely spot check items from their manufacturers to confirm the materials. Trust but verify. This test includes total destruction of the piece so they can do a fire assay on the metal as well as stone ID’s, actual gem weights, etc. Failure of this test will sever the relationship and may even result in court action. The same applies to manufacturers. Getting bad materials from their suppliers, for example mis-karated gold that they pass on to their customers, is a disaster. They can and do occasionally check and, because they check, the suppliers rarely cheat because they stand to lose a huge client and a total trashing of their reputation if they survive it at all. Merely the fact that this service is available means that a supplier to a manufacturer who supplies Walmart will think twice before they try to push CVD melee through and that they will, in turn, put pressure on their own suppliers. It's still a matter of choosing suppliers carefully and well but it gives a competitive advantage to the suppliers who are prepared to back up the quality of their goods rather than just make a claim that 'we know nothing'. Sgt. Schultz wouldn't last long in the modern diamond business.

 

[Karl_K]

good points Neil.
I really do wonder if the industry can continue to self-police however.
It is too fragmented these days.
In my opinion the industry has not been very forth coming in naming names.
IE: not naming who was paying off graders in the GIA scandal.