The Diamond Detection Resource Center (DDRC) is a shining example of how the GII has advanced with the times, keeping pace with contemporary technological developments and the challenges they have raised for the industry. It is a dedicated facility for certification of diamonds and detection of synthetic stones or simulants, as well as dissemination of information related to synthetic diamonds.
Set up by the GJEPC-BDB in Mumbai, the DDRC is managed and run by GII. It is an important step towards promoting fair trade with full disclosure, enhancing transparency and boosting consumer confidence in natural diamonds.
DDRC has an assortment of machines that are used in detection including AMS machine, Diamond Check, Diamond Sure, Diamond View, Diamond Plus, Diamond Spotter, FTIR Spectroscopy, Raman spectrometer and D Screen. The AMS (Automated Melee Screening), developed by De Beers, is the most important as it can rapidly detect synthetic stones in parcels of small diamonds ranging from 0.01-0.20 cts in a cost effective manner. This is particularly important in India where large volumes of smaller stones are cut and polished.
Given its undoubted importance to the Indian industry, GII conducted a “Lokarpan” ceremony performed by a number of industry veterans in December 2014.
In addition to detection and certification of synthetic diamonds, the GII Lab also undertakes Loose Diamond Grading & Certification, Jewellery Grading & Certification as well as Coloured Stone Grading, and where applicable, a Certificate of Origin.
Complementing the activities of DDRC, GII has also undertaken outreach campaigns by conducting seminars & workshops on Synthetic Diamonds and Coloured Stones. These programmes have been held for jewellers and traders in key centres such as Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Nasik, Coimbatore, Cambay, Ludhiana and Chandigarh.
