Synthetic diamonds have been one of the most controversial categories of the jewellery industry, with the last 24-months of shifts in economy and media coverage bringing about a lot of changes for the larger industry.
While synthetic diamonds have been popularised, its increased production has had unforunate consequences in the larger trade with breaches occurring in packets of natural diamonds.
The number of synthetic diamonds passed off as natural stones is increasing, but many jewellers still lack the technology to tell them apart.
It's never been more important for diamond buyers to be prepared, and armed with reliable equipment to know exactly whether their stones are natural or created.
Read Jeweller's following guide to compare some of the industry's most trusted diamond detectors.
» Do you trade diamonds or diamond jewellery? Read Jeweller's feature 'Why do I need a Diamond Detector'?
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|  SHERLOCK HOLMES 2.0
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Named after the legendary fictional detective, the Sherlock Holmes 2.0 synthetic diamond tester instantly detects both CVD and HPHT diamonds, as well as being able to identify if natural diamonds have been colour-enhanced through HPHT. The bonus feature of the 2.0 model is the ability to detect loose diamond simulants cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite. Accuracy: 100%
Size (cm): 15 (w) x 24 (d) x 15 (h)
Weight: 2.2 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: Any | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 530 stones per hour
Price: US$6,495 |
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Play Video | D SECURE PLUS |
Launched in 2017, the D Secure Plus is the advanced, updated version of DRC Techno’s first synthetic diamond detector, the D Secure. This screener offers a professional solution with one-click auto-process operation for high capacity analysis of loose diamonds. Accuracy: 98%
Size (cm): 33.5(w) x 30.5( d) x 40.5(h)
Weight: 22 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.003+ carats | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: No
Speed: 45 to 60 seconds per scan
Price: US$11,999 |
For more information visit: DRC Techno |
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| J MINI |
This portable, semi-automatic detector was launched just two months ago at JCK Las Vegas 2019. It is DRC Techno’s most cost effective and portable instrument, featuring a ‘one click’ process that makes it ideal for jewellers on buying trips. It can analyse both loose and mounted stones. Accuracy: Variable
Size (cm): 16.5(W) X 25(D) X 15.5(H)
Weight: 6 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: 0.003+ carats | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 20 to 30 seconds per scan
Price: US$6,499 |
For more information visit: DRC Techno |
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| J SMART PRO |
Another new addition to the DRC Techno detector family, the J Smart Pro debuted at JCK Las Vegas 2019 in June. It is the advanced version of the original J Smart and comes with integrated fluorescent light for easy on-screen analysis and interpretation. It also has a 360-degree auto-rotate function to scan eternity rings and bangles with ease. Accuracy: 98%
Size (cm): 41(w) x 39.5(d) x 47.5(h)
Weight: 30 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.003+ carats | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 45 to 90 seconds per scan
Price: US$22,499 |
For more information visit: DRC Techno |
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| J DETECT 9000 |
A mid-range manual diamond detector, the J Detect 9000 identifies any number of loose or mounted diamonds that can fit in its 12.5cm x 12.5cm tray. Suitable for experienced gemmologists and diamond examiners, the detector’s purchase price includes a Windows 10 laptop. Accuracy: Variable
Size (cm): 31.5(w) x 27.5(d) x 38(h)
Weight: 14 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.003+ carats | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 25 to 30 seconds per scan
Price: US$9,999 |
For more information visit: DRC Techno |
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MORE DIAMOND DETECTORS
| GIAID100 |
This detector is based on the GIA’s 60 years of diamond and gemstone identification research. It can distinguish HPHT and CVD diamonds, as well as simulants. It’s strength lies in its ease of use – the ‘Pass’ or ‘Refer’ results are displayed in less than two seconds. However, it does not detect simulants such as cubic zirconia or synthetic moissanite. Accuracy: 100% referred for
further testing
Size (cm): 16.5(w) x 20(d) x 8(h)
Weight: 1.02 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: 0.005+ carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: No
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 440
Price: US$4,995 |
For more information visit Gemological Institute of America
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| DIAMONDSURE |
The light, portable option from De Beers can detect both loose and mounted stones. Results are automatic, so there’s no result interpretation required. As this screener has a false-positive rate of 2 per cent, the company recommends stones be referred for further testing with the DiamondView detector. Accuracy: 100% referred for
further testing
Size (cm): 17(w) x 26(d) x 10(h)
Weight: 3.5 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: 0.005 to 10-carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: No
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 193
Price: US$18,200 |
For more information visit De Beers Group Industry Services
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| SYNTHDETECT |
The latest addition to the De Beers screening range, SYNTHdetect is designed to test jewellery-mounted stones – though it can also be used for loose diamonds. It has a lower size limit than other De Beers detectors. Accuracy: 100% referred for
further testing
Size (cm): 31(w) x 34(d) x 45.8(h)
Weight: 30 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.001 to 100-carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 583
Price: US$17,000 |
For more information visit De Beers Group Industry Services
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| DIAMONDVIEW |
This detector uses short-wave UV light to measure fluorescence, indicating whether a diamond in natural or CVD synthetic. It requires the operator to interpret the test results, so is best suited to retailers with experience in examining synthetic diamonds. Accuracy: 100%
Size (cm): 20(w) x 40(d) x 25(h)
Weight: 13 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.01 to 10-carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: No
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 112
Price: US$35,000 |
For more information visit De Beers Group Industry Services
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 | M-SCREEN+ |
European diamond grading lab HRD Antwerp developed the M-Screen+. It is a fully automated desktop detector designed to screen very large quantities of stones at high speed – three diamonds per second – making it suitable for industrial use. Accuracy: 100% referred for further testing
Size (cm): 45(w) x 30(d) x 55(h)
Weight: 45 kg
Portable: No
Diamond size: 0.005-0.20-carat | Feed of stones: Automatic
Multiple stones: Yes
Set jewellery: No
Speed: 12,317
Price: US$63,000 |
For more information visit HRD Antwerp
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 | SYNTHETIC DIAMOND SCREENER II |
Presidium is an industry leader in gemmological tools. Its SDS II model is portable, affordable, and measures both loose and mounted stones. Lightweight and battery-operated, it is a convenient screener with easy-to-understand colour-coded results. Accuracy: 100% referred for further testing
Size (cm): 13(w) x 10(d) x 6.5(h)
Weight: 0.21 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: 0.02 to 10 carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: No
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 240
Price: US$599 |
For more information visit Presidium
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 | DIAMONDDECT3 |
Developed by China’s Taidiam Technology, the DiamondDect3 tests both mounted and loose diamonds, making it ideal for retailers. It will produce results of ‘Natural’, ‘CVD Synthetic’ or ‘Abnormal’, with the latter requiring further testing by a gemmologist. Accuracy: 99.5%
Size (cm): 22(w) x 20(d) x 12(h)
Weight: 3 kg
Portable: Yes
Diamond size: 0.05 to 10 carat | Feed of stones: Manual
Multiple stones: No
Set jewellery: Yes
Speed: 289
Price: US$5,730 |
For more information visit Taidiam Technology
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