De Beers’ International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR),  is holding a number of synthetic detection symposiums around India “to demonstrate its technology” to all segments of the diamond industry in India.

The IIDGR team conducting the seminars is led by the Institute’s Commercial Director, Jamie Clark. On February 16th and 17th  the team adressed the diamond community in the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai; they will hold a similar symposium at The Gateway Hotel Athwalines in Surat on 19th February. “Attendees will gain better understanding of how the detection technologies work and the role they play in supporting consumer confidence in diamonds,” the note from De Beers announcing the seminars stated.

“The IIDGR markets a range of leading detection instruments that play a vital role in helping diamantaires have confidence in their own inventory,” the statement added. “This in turn enables them to provide reassurance to their customers. The IIDGR is also in the process of establishing a referrals centre at its Surat laboratory that will provide a lower cost option for testing stones referred by detection instruments. It also has plans to increase the range of diamond grading services at the Surat facility by mid 2015.”

Jonathan Kendall, IIDGR President, said: “Diamond businesses must be proactive in managing risks related to undisclosed synthetics and we believe these symposiums will play an important role in helping them do this.”

Clark added: “This visit is an important step in us supporting India’s diamond trade and when you consider our other plans for the year around referrals testing and grading, it is clear that the IIDGR will play an increasingly important role in bolstering confidence in the Indian diamond industry.”