GIA launches mounted diamond tester

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) unveiled its new testing device GIA iD100^TM that can scan loose and mounted colourless diamonds of 0.9 mm in diameter (approximately 0.5 point) or greater at the JCK Las Vegas show in June 2017. 

The desktop device combines advanced spectroscopic technology, GIA’s extensive research into the qualities of natural and synthetic diamonds, and the institute’s decades of diamond analysis experience to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic (HPHT and CVD) diamonds and diamond simulants.

According to GIA, with 100-percent accuracy, the easy-to-operateGIA iD100^TM presents testing results as ‘pass’ or ‘refer’ for further identification on the screen in less than two seconds, while it is not intended to identify the type of synthetic or simulant. Further information on referred samples requires lab examination.

“GIA iD100^TM is a continuation of GIA’s effort to bring practical gem identification solutions to the industry. Along with our other services including the GIA Melee Analysis Service, it addresses concerns in the trade about the possible presence of undisclosed synthetic diamonds,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president for laboratory and research.

Aiming to give anyone in the trade confidence in the diamonds they have in stock, or that they are buying or selling, GIA iD100^TM received positive responses at JCK Las Vegas and the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair this year. Moses told Hong Kong Jewellery that GIA is conducting further research to extend the capabilities of the instrument to identify pink diamonds and other gem materials in future. “We plan to demonstrate GIA iD100^TM at trade shows and have it available for purchase later this year,” he said. The retail price of the device will be in the US$5,000 range, according to him.

Regarding GIA’s working plans, Tom Moses revealed: “The GIA research team, working with the operational management of our grading and identification laboratories, continues to seek new and innovative means of determining the qualities of diamonds, coloured stones and pearls.”