The portable and lightweight Parify UV Steriliser, which was developed in the UK for use in hospitals, achieves up to a 99 per cent disinfection rate against RNA and DNA viruses, including COVID-19, as well as other pathogens and bacteria.
It has been tested and validated by SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification and certification company.
Phil Edwards, managing director DGA, said, “During the challenges of COVID-19, we have been open to anything that can support our retail partners. This unit was introduced to DGA by a fellow distributor from the UK with whom we have been in contact for many years.
"It’s a simple and affordable solution to many hygiene issues within the store environment, and ideal for the jewellery retail trade as we recover from COVID-19 and create the ‘new normal’ of hygiene standards – and meet the consumer’s expectation of hygiene.”
The device, which is priced at $179, can fit most jewellery items and watches. The sterilising process takes between two and three minutes and there is no special equipment or training required to operate it. More than 6,000 units have been sold in the UK since its release two months ago.
Edwards recommends two devices per store, “One in the front of the store – to be used directly with the customer so they can see your in-house safety precautions and hygiene standards – and the second in the back office or repairs area.”
Edwards adds that from initial testing results, the device carries no risk of damage to jewellery, adding, “It is certainly considered a much safer and cleaner option than liquid sanitiser with a high alcohol content, which can damage delicate jewellery.”
However, jewellers are advised to use alternative methods for stones that could change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as unheated sapphires, kunzite, amethyst, and zircon.
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