The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has handed over a synthetic diamond detection machine to the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa. The presentation took place recently at the Diamond Secretariat’s office in Johannesburg. It makes South Africa the third country to receive this equipment.

Ernie Blom, chairman of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa, received the machine on behalf of the club. Tom Moses from the GIA performed the official handing over while Dr Mike Breeding explained the development and technology that went into creating this product during the handing over process.

At the close of last year, GIA collaborated with the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) announcing that it would make these machines available to the 28 WFDB member bourses at no cost, to aid the detection of synthetic diamonds.

Blom thanked the GIA for its assistance and assured them that the machinery will be put to good use. “This initiative forms part of the pro-active strategy employed by the diamond industry worldwide to ensure consumer confidence in diamonds,” Blom commented.