The patent-pending technology was developed by diamond and gemstone processing system manufacturer Sarine Technologies following a request from Tiffany & Co to provide a solution for calculating a diamond’s proportions and symmetry to “unprecedented high accuracy”.
Tiffany’s gemmologists also contributed to the development of the system.
The new DiaMension Axiom device incorporates advanced video imagery and microscopic magnification to measure and analyse a range of minute features – including facet junctions, misalignment and distortions – in round and fancy-shaped polished diamonds.
Until now, such features could reportedly only be determined by gemmologists using microscopes.
“It is anticipated that the resulting high accuracy microscope-level qualification of the stone will enable manufacturers to attain, and gemmological institutes to verify, new levels of quality,” a company press release stated.
Commenting on the benefits of the system, Andy Hart, Tiffany senior vice president of manufacturing, diamonds and gemstones, said, “This new technology developed by Sarine will enable the Tiffany Gemological Laboratory to enhance its abilities to objectively, consistently, and efficiently measure and uphold our demanding symmetry standard which is critical to ensuring Tiffany presents only the most beautiful diamonds to our customers.”
Although the system was originally developed for the New York-based jewellery company, Sarine chief operating officer David Block told trade publication National Jeweler that the technology would also be available to the wider diamond industry.
In addition, Block confirmed that Sarine worked with grading laboratories and other relevant bodies to ensure specific grading standards were implemented into the system.