GJEPC and IIDGR collaborates to maintain consumer confidence in Diamonds, in India

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India and the International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research (IIDGR), a division of De Beers Group of Companies, agreed to cooperate and work together to maintain consumer confidence in diamonds and more specifically support the industry in the detection of synthetics.

As part of this initiative, the IIDGR will be providing their state-of-the-art Automated Melee Sorting (AMS) machines to the GJEPC. The machines are expected to be available to the GJEPC within 3 months. These machines will be operated by the Diamond Detection and Resource Centre (DDRC), which is part of the Gemmological Institute of India (GII), in the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) premises. The DDRC is sponsored by the GJEPC and BDB.

The AMS machines can rapidly detect synthetic stones in parcels of small diamonds ranging from 0.01 - 0.20 carats in a cost effective manner. It addresses a market need for rapid and affordable detection equipment for smaller sized diamonds, which will be of immense benefit for India. In line with GJEPC’s policy to support MSME,DDRC will enable smaller traders, to get their parcels tested at an affordable cost. This programme is well supported by BDB.

DDRC has been providing Detection services for all parcels received. The centre also offers resources for creating awareness about lab grown diamonds and testing methods. It also provides services to diamond companies including technical and on-the-job training of their staff in detection methods. GII has already taken up the task of educating people and eliminating the fear of lab grown diamonds from the minds of the people through seminars in Surat, at Opera house and BKC in Mumbai, Coimbatore, and Cambay and are planning to hold seminars in other Diamond Centres as well.