Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 1

Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing

Instruments in the Current Market

27 April 2016

Chanaporn Chinotaikul

Gem-A student number: 813784

 Abstract 2

Abstract

There are many kinds of diamond tester in the market, some can differentiate between

diamond and its stimulants, some between natural and synthetic, and some can determine

whether a diamond is treated or not. Each instrument uses different principles to determine

this and some are more accurate than others. This project will discuss how each instrument

works and how well when compared to other instruments, in order to gain an understanding

of the instruments and how essential they are in the diamond industry.
 Abstract 3

Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Current Market

Diamond is one of the most important gemstones in the world. As such, the market is filled
with diamond simulants and synthetic diamonds. This report will discuss instruments that are used
commonly in the market to distinguish diamonds from those that are not. The purpose of this report
is to understand how each instrument works to distinguish diamonds from its simulants, and its
synthetic counterparts. Also, this report will compare each instrument to each other in order to gain
an understanding of the usefulness of each instrument.
98 percent of diamonds in the market are Type Ia natural diamonds in the world while the
other 2 percent are Type II, which require more advanced testing. These machines can identify
diamonds with approximately 97 percent accuracy, and about 3 percent of natural diamonds might
need further testing, these are mostly Type Ib. The diamonds that are flagged for further testing will
go through a finalizing process, which involve examining by gemmologists using more advanced
laboratory machine that can examine element composition, crystal structure, electromagnetic
absorption, and so on. 1
Therefore, in this report, we will introduce each instrument in an order according to each
step of diamond identification as follows:
1) Initial diamond screening
a. Single stone screening devices
i. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Diamond Testers
ii. DiamondSure
iii. DiamondCheck
iv. D-Screen
v. Gemlogis Taupe Diamond Segregator
b. Multiple or batch screening devices
i. Automated Melee Screening (AMS)
ii. M-Screen
iii. D-Secure
2) Final screening
i. DiamondView
ii. DiamondPlus
iii. Alpha Diamond Analyzer

1
Rapaport Magazine: Diamond Detectives by Shuan Sim
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 4

Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments

Single Stone Screening Devices

i. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Diamond Tester

First introduced in 1984, electronic thermal probes are now widely used in the market to
separate diamonds from their imitations. The probes have a pair of thermistors with fine copper tip.
One thermistor measures the temperature of the copper tip while the other works as a heating
device. The device will sense the temperature from the probe tip within a few seconds and will
measure the conductivity of the gem based from that temperature.
The principle of this device is based on how different gemstones conduct heat differently. As
diamond a very good heat conductor, when it is heated, the diamond will remain cool. As such, if a
diamond is being tested, it will conduct the tip’s thermal energy rapidly enough to produce a
measurable temperature drop. 2
However, thermal conductivity test do not work with synthetic moissanite, a popular
diamond simulant, as it has similar thermal property to diamonds. As such, to differentiate diamonds
from synthetic moissanites, a moissanite tester is used. This tool puts an electrical current into the
gemstone, and measures how well the stone conducts the electricity as compared to diamonds.
Thermal conductivity diamond tester and electrical conductivity diamond tester can be sold
separately, but nowadays, they are mostly combined in one single device. Examples of two of the
most popular brands in the market.
Device Brand Properties Price

• Distinguish diamonds from

simulants
$10.00 -
• With any setting, shape
Diamond 15.00
• Dual indicator: by sound and by
Selector II (market
light display
price)
• Metal alert
• Adjustable sensitivity

• Identifies metal, simulants,

$249.00
moissanites, diamonds
Multi Tester III (market
• > 0.02 ct
(PMuT III) by price)
• Clear and visible display
Presidium $349.50
• No waiting time
(retail price)
• Light and portable

2
US 4488821, Wenckus, J.F., “Method and means of rapidly distinguishing a simulated diamond from
natural diamond”, published December 18, 1984, assigned to Ceres Electronics Corporation; U.S. Patent
4,488,821
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 5

ii. DiamondSure™

DiamondSure™ is a quick screening instrument designed to pass natural diamonds, and at the
same time refer for further testing to all synthetic diamonds. The device uses UV absorption to rapidly
screen the stones by finding the presence or absence of the 415 nm line, which was found in more
than 95% of all natural diamonds tested, but has not been found in any synthetic diamonds. Because
a small proportion of natural diamonds would be referred by this instrument, additional testing may
be required. If the machine refers for further testing of synthetic diamonds, users are encouraged to
use DiamondView™ machine.
The device can screen one stone at a time, both loose and mounted with the size of 0.10 –
10.00 carats. The DiamondSure can only scan colourless to near-colourless stones, as other fancy
coloured stones may cause inaccuracy in screening. Other than the Type II diamonds, all synthetics
and simulants will be referred for further testing.
For loose stones, they are put table down on the fibre optic probe and then pressed the
button. For mounted stones in jewellery, the sample dish can be removed to release the fibre optic
probe. 3

Machine Properties Retail Price

• Measurement time at 4 seconds; 10 -
DiamondSure™ 15 stones/minute
• Both loose and mounted at 0.10 -
10ct
• colourless or near-colourless; not for
$18,200
fancy coloured
• All synthetics are referred: Type II
diamonds 4 and simulants
• Removable dish for melee goods
• Results: PASS or REFER

iii. DiamondCheck™

DiamondCheck is an instrument manufactured by GIA that identifies natural, untreated

diamonds and refers for further analysis to stones that may be treated or synthetic. The device uses
IR spectroscopy for rapid screening of diamonds with GIA-developed software for automatic data
interpretation and show a 3D imaging of the stones. The device can be used with colourless stones in

3
IIDGR website: DiamondSure
4
Type II diamonds are natural diamonds that have no measurable nitrogen properties (the 415 nm
line)
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 6

the D – N range with 0.01 to 10.00 carats in size. The device examine one un-mounted stone at a
time, and will give three results: natural diamond, diamond that require further testing for treatments
or synthetics, and non-diamond materials such as synthetic moissanite and cubic zirconia (the device
does not specify the identity of non-diamond materials)

Machine Properties Retail Price

DiamondCheck™
• 0.01 – 10.00ct; colour D – N
• One stone at a time
• Only loose stones $23,900
• 3 results: natural diamonds, refer
for further testing, and simulants

iv. D-Screen

D-Screen is a portable diamond screening device developed by HRD Antwerp. It distinguishes

stones that are not laboratory grown (synthetic), such as CVD diamonds, and HPHT colour enhanced,
from stones that are potentially laboratory grown or had their colour improved by HPHT. 5 However, it
is not developed to distinguish simulants such as cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite. The D-Screen
makes it determination based on the optical transmission through the polished stone at deep UV
wavelengths. It tests D through J color diamonds measuring from 0.2 to 10 carats.
The user shall place the diamond with the table downwards on the detector. Close the unit
and wait for a few seconds until one of the indicators comes on and show the results. The green light
means that the stone is not synthetic nor is it HPHT colour enhanced. The orange light means that the
stone may be synthetic or HPHT colour enhanced and that it requires further testing. The red light
means either the machine has low battery or the machine is defective. 6

D-Screen Properties Retail Price

• Easy to use, fast and correct result
• Portable
• Suitable for all diamond cuts
$3,000
• Screen more than 200 stones/hour
• Must be polished diamonds, colour D
– J, weigh at 0.20 – 10ct

5
HRD Antwerp Website: D-Screen product
6
Wetenschappelijik en Technisch OnderzoeksCentrum voor Diamant (WTOCD): D-Screen
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 7

v. Gemlogis Taupe Diamond Segregator

Gemlogis Taupe is a compact device used to determine if a diamond is natural (or ‘earth
mined’), HPHT treated, or lab created (CVD). It tests from 0.02 – 10 ct from colour D to H, and capable
of testing on both polished and rough stones. To test the stones, put one stone at a time with table
down on the space provided and press the button. The device simply shows two colours, if it shows
green, it means that the diamond is natural; this includes type IaA, type IaAB, and type Ib. If it shows
yellow, it means that the stone could be HPHT or CVD, and that it should be further tested with more
advanced instruments. However, the device is not designed to test whether type IIa and type IaB
diamonds are treated or not, this needs further testing. 7

Gemlogis Taupe Diamond Properties Retail Price

Segregator
• 0.02 – 10 ct; colour D – H
• Both polished and rough
• Only loose stones
• More accurate in colourless and near
$485
colourless range
• Distinguish natural from synthetics
only (HPHT & CVD)
• Test time: nearly instantly

7
Gemlogis USA website: Gemlogis Taupe Diamond Segregator
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 8

Multiple or Batch Screening Devices

i. AMS

Automated Melee Screening (AMS) is a spectrometer based system for automatically

screening potential synthetics and simulants. The device uses propriety software. Stones are
automatically fed to a fibre optic probe connected to two spectrometers which are used to record
spectra. The stones are then dispensed into four result bins after the tests are done. Around 98% of
colourless or near-colourless stones will pass, while the device will refer for further tests of all
synthetics and simulants, and around 2% of natural diamonds.
The stones that can be used must be colourless or near-colourless round brilliant diamonds
with the size range of 0.01 to 0.20 carats. The device takes up to 500 cts at a time, and can screen up
to 360 stones per hour. The device is automated and can be left unattended.

The four output trays categories are:

1. Pass: Not synthetic or simulant
2. Refer: Rare result: further testing required
3. Refer type II: Low nitrogen. Could be synthetic, Further testing required
4. Non-diamond: Simulant or synthetic

Machine Properties Retail Price

AMS • Screens melee synthetics and
simulants
• Colourless and near-colourless round
brilliant at 0.01 – 0.20 ct
• Takes up to 500cts at a time: 360 $55,000
stones per hour (can leave overnight
and unattended)
• Results: PASS, REFER, REFER type II,
and Non-Diamond

ii. M-Screen

M-Screen is an automated melee screening device that screens round brilliant diamonds from
0.01 to 10.00 carat with colour from D to J. The device is manufactured and distributed by HRD
Antwerp. It uses UV transparency to screen potential lab grown diamonds, potential HPHT colour
enhanced diamonds, and simulants. By feeding the diamonds through the chute, the device can
automatically screen and sort out diamonds at a speed of minimum two diamonds per second (or
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 9

7,200 diamonds per hour), depending on the size of the stones and the size of that batch (the speed
can go up to 10,800 diamonds per hour) 8. The diamonds are then sorted into four trays according to
their identification:

The four output trays are:

1. Pass: Natural diamonds
2. Refer 1: Might be natural – need further testing
3. Refer 2: Might be synthetic – need further testing
4. Simulants.

Machine Properties Retail Price

M-Screen • Screens melee diamonds for
synthetics and simulants
• Colour D – J; round brilliant at 0.01 –
0.20 ct
N/A
• 2 stones/second; 7,200 – 10,800
stones/hour
• Results: PASS, Refer1, Refer2,
Simulants

iii. D-Secure

D-Secure is an instrument that identify lab-grown synthetic diamonds, by HPHT and CVD
techniques, within colourless or near colourless diamonds. (It is not a type separator) It is produced
by Dharmanandan Research Center (DRC Techno). The device can recognise diamonds in all shapes
and sizes ranging from 0.003 – 10 ct, in polished and rough forms, and it is also capable of detecting
synthetics in jewellery. D-secure can also identify synthetic diamonds from a batch directly, and takes
only 45 seconds to scan each batch. The instrument has an area of around 3 inch diameter to scan
diamonds of any size and shape. 9
The first step is to arrange the diamonds on plates provided, then put them back into the
machine. After screening, the image will be shown on the screen, and users need to take out the tray
and pick out the stones according to the image shown. The advantage is that, if all diamonds being
tested are all natural, it takes very little time for each test. However, if there are synthetics mixed in
the batch, the user has to manually pick out those stones, which might take time, especially if they are
all melees. The device gives three results: 1) Green circle – synthetic diamonds, 2) Blue circle – to be

8
HRD Antwerp website: M-Screen
9
D-Secure website: user manual
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 10

retested, and 3) Yellow circle – Undetermined (might be synthetics, or lower colour (less than K), or
simulants. (for further information on how to use the machine, please see Appendix II)

D-Secure Properties Retail Price

• Test all sizes and shapes (0.003 – 10
ct); polished and rough
• Test studded jewellery
• Test in batches (45 sec./batch) $3,000
• Distinguish synthetics (HPHT & CVD)
• Colourless or near colourless (D – K)
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 11

Final Screening

i. DiamondView™

DiamondView™ is a luminescence imaging instrument that uses ultraviolet light to generate a

surface fluorescence image from which synthetics may be unambiguously identified. The patterns of
ultraviolet-excited fluorescence exhibited by synthetic diamonds are quite distinctive and are easy to
identify with enough experience. Synthetic diamonds are identified by their distinctive growth-sector
structure, whereas natural diamonds show either purely octahedral growth or a combination of
octahedral and hummocky “cuboid” growth.

Natural Diamond: Octahedral/dodechahedron HPHT Synthetics: cubo-octahedral,

minor facets present

The device is offered in two versions, standard and high magnification. Loose polished stones
are held in place by a vacuum holder (a modified holder for larger stones is also available, and a small
stone holder is provided with the high magnification version). It is also possible for some mounted
jewellery if its surface can be view without obstruction such as studded earrings and simple rings. The
device comes with different adapters for users to change in and out according to their convenience. 10

Machine Properties Retail Price

DiamondView™ • Generates a surface fluorescence
image so synthetics can be identified $35,000
• 2 – 3 stones/minute (standard
• Loose and mounted goods at 0.05 – magnification)
10ct (standard) and 0.01 – 0.20 ct for $36,000 (high
melee (high) magnification
• Needs user interpretation

*Further information on how to interpret the DiamondView images can be seen in Appendix III

10
IIDGR website: DiamondView
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 12

ii. DiamondPlus™

DiamondPlus™ is a compact screening device for polished diamonds. It is designed to screen

for Type II HPHT treated natural diamonds, and it also have some capability to separate out some
synthetic categories and will refer some irradiated diamonds. The device should be used after being
referred from the initial screening devices such as DiamondSure and DiamondCheck. (Cannot use
DiamondView since it cannot identify treated stones).
It makes a measurement with a sample immersed in liquid-nitrogen, therefore, only suitable
for testing loose stones in the 0.05 –10 ct size range. The instrument makes a laser-excited
photoluminescence measurement and will return an automated PASS or REFER result. The instrument
may also refer a percentage of untreated natural Type II diamonds, which should be further tested by
more advanced laboratory instruments. 11
Machine Properties Retail Price
DiamondPlus™ • Screens Type II HPHT treated natural
diamonds
• Makes laser-excited
photoluminescence measurement
$19,200
• Only loose stones at 0.05 - 10ct
• Referral rate increases as more brown
colour increases
• Results: PASS or REFER

iii. Alpha Diamond Analyzer

The Alpha Diamond Analyzer is developed by HRD Antwerp to detect diamond, classify
diamond type, screen HPHT-colour enhanced colourless diamonds, and screen synthetic colourless
diamonds. The device can distinguish diamonds from imitations, and it can also determine diamond
types accurately so that users can select potentially HPHT treated or synthetic colourless diamonds
for further testing.
The device uses Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) absorption spectroscopy. The FT-IR
spectrum is related directly to the chemical structure and composition of the gemstone; therefore, it
gives a reliable differentiation between natural diamonds and their simulants. With the impurities
(nitrogen and boron) within the diamonds, which shows its unique signatures in the FT-IR spectrum, it
can be used for classification of diamond types. (For more information on FT-IR spectra of diamond
please see Appendix IV)

11
IIDGR website: Diamond Plus
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 13

The analysis is performed contact-free and within 60 seconds. The stones being tested can be
in any colour and with a wide range of sizes and shapes allowed. The device is guided by software,
and the analysis is automatically performed with the result presented in PDF report file format. 12
Machine Properties Retail Price
Alpha Diamond Analyzer
• Automated diamond detection and
type classification
• Results within 60 seconds
• Any colour and any size
$57,000
• Loose stones only
• Compact
• Easy to use

12
HRD Antwerp website: Alpha Diamond Analyzer
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 14

Summary of Diamond Testing Instruments:

Distinguish Distinguish Stone Size Scan Speed Estimated
Name Developer Stone type Colour
synthetics simulants (ct) (second/stone) Price
Single Stone Screening Devices

Thermal / Electrical
Various  Any Any > 0.02 Instant $10 – 250
conductivity tester
Loose + Colourless/near
DiamondSure IIDGR  0.10 – 10 3–5 $18,200
mounted colourless
DiamondCheck GIA  Loose D–N 0.10 -10 10 $23,900

D –Screen WTOCD  Loose D–J 0.20 – 10 200 stones/hr $3,000

Gemlogis Taupe GLG  Loose D–H 0.02 – 10 Instant $600

Multiple or Batch Screening Devices

Colourless/near
AMS IIDGR   Loose 0.01 – 0.20 360 stones/hr $55,000
colourless
7,200 – 10,800
M-Screen HRD   Loose D–J 0.01 – 0.20 N/A
stones/hr
D-Secure DRC  Loose D–K 0.003 – 10 45 sec/batch $3,000
 Diamond Testing Tools and Instruments 15

Distinguish Distinguish Stone Size Scan Speed Estimated

Name Developer Stone type Colour
synthetics simulants (ct) (second/stone) Price
Final Screening Devices
0.05 – 10
Loose + Colourless/near (S) $35,000 (S)
DiamondView IIDGR  20
mounted colourless 0.01 – 0.20 $36,000 (H)
(H) 13
Colourless/near
DiamondPlus IIDGR  14 Loose 0.05 – 10 15 $19,200
colourless
Alpha Diamond Analyzer HRD   Loose Any Any 60 $57,000

13
(S) for Standard magnification and (H) for high magnification
14
Only Type II HPHT-treated natural diamonds
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 16

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Instrument

Single Stone Screening Devices

Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Conductivity Testers

Advantages Disadvantages
• Portable • Cannot distinguish synthetic diamonds
• Easy to use • Only for synthetic moissanites (electrical)
• Fast results • Only one stone at a time
• Cheap • Manual
• Can detect simulants • Need further testing

DiamondSure™
Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast results • Very expensive
• Relatively easy to use • Only colourless/near-colourless
• For loose and mounted stones • Only one stone at a time
• Can test melee goods • Manual
• Portable • Need further testing

DiamondCheck™
Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast results • Very expensive
• Relatively easy to use • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Can detect simulants (not identify) • Only loose stones
• Can test melee goods • Only one stone at a time
• Manual
• Need further testing

D-Screen
Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast results • Cannot detect simulants
• Easy to use • Relatively expensive
• Portable • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Only one stone at a time
• Only loose stones
• Manual
• Need further testing

Gemlogis Taupe Diamond Segregator

Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast results • Cannot detect simulants
• Easy to use • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Relatively cheap • Only one stone at a time
• Can test melee goods • Manual
• Portable • Need further testing
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 17

Multiple or Batch Screening Devices

AMS
Advantages Disadvantages
• Screen by batch • Very expensive
• Easy to use • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Can test melee goods • Only melee goods
• Can detect simulants • Only loose stones
• Very fast results • Need further testing
• Portable
• Automatic

M-Screen
Advantages Disadvantages
• Screen by batch • Very expensive
• Easy to use • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Can test melee goods • Only melee goods
• Can detect simulants • Only loose stones
• Very fast results • Need further testing
• Automatic

D-Secure
Advantages Disadvantages
• Screen by batch • Cannot detect simulants (might show up
• Relatively cheap as Undetermined)
• Any size • Only colourless/near-colourless
• Very fast results • Only loose stones
• No further testing (only for synthetic) • Manual

Final Processing Devices

DiamondView™
Advantages Disadvantages
• Accurate and detailed results • Cannot detect HPHT-treated stones
• Relatively fast • Only colourless/near-colourless
• No further testing (except for Type II) • Manual
• Both loose and mounted stones • Need user interpretation
• Distinguish between syn. HPHT and CVD

DiamondPlus™
Advantages Disadvantages
• Distinguish HPHT-treated natural stones • Only detect HPHT-treated natural stones
• Relatively fast • Very expensive
• Manual
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 18

Alpha Diamond Analyzer

Advantages Disadvantages
• Accurate and detailed results • Cannot distinguish between HPHT and
• Relatively fast CVD synthetics
• Any colour and any size • Very expensive
• Not only for diamonds • Manual
• Classify diamond types • Need user interpretation
• Can detect HPHT-treated diamonds
• Can detect simulants
• Portable
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 19

Analysis

Here, we will compare the instruments that are most similar to each other:

Single stone screening devices:

DiamondSure and DiamondCheck have very similar properties, they can distinguish
between natural and synthetic diamonds, and both need further testing for referred stones.
They are both relatively easy to use and give very fast results. However, DiamondCheck is
significantly more expensive than DiamondSure (at $23,900 and $18,200 respectively), which
has an advantage over it due to its ability to test mounted stones, while DiamondCheck
cannot. This advantage, however, is not very significant, as DiamondSure’s ability to test
mounted stones is limited by how a stone is set.

Furthermore, when compared to the other two devices, D-Screen and Gemlogis Taupe
(at $3,000 and $600 respectively), which have the same properties, both DiamondSure and
DiamondCheck are much more expensive. D-Screen itself is also very expensive when
compared to Gemlogis Taupe. The only disadvantage of D-Screen would be that it can only
detect bigger size stone (from 0.20 – 10.00 ct compared to DiamondSure and DiamondCheck
from 0.10 – 10.00 ct). The advantage of Gemlogis Taupe is that it can be used on melee goods
(from 0.003 – 10.00 ct).

The only notable disadvantage of the four machines is they are not made specifically
to distinguish diamonds from simulants, and all simulants will be referred for further testing,
just like all synthetics and Type II diamonds.

For thermal and electrical conductivity diamond testers, since their use is only limited
to only distinguishing diamonds from simulants and, they cannot be compared with the other
devices mentioned above.

Also, due to limited access to these devices, we cannot ascertain their accuracy, and,
therefore, cannot determine which device is better in terms of that factor.
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 20

Multiple or batch screening devices:

The AMS and M-Screen have very similar properties; they can automatically screen
and sort the diamonds into four categories, using similar principles to distinguish the
diamonds. (AMS uses UV absorption, while M-Screen uses UV transparency). The advantage
of M-Screen over AMS is that it is much faster with the record of up to 10,800 stones per
hour, compared to AMS’s 360 stones per hour. However, due to lack of information, we
cannot determine the exact pricing of M-Screen, so we cannot compare the price of these
two devices.

When compared to D-Secure, the AMS and M-Screen have the advantages of speed
and that they are automated. The D-Secure can only be used manually, moreover, although
the initial screening takes little time (only around 45 seconds per batch), if synthetics are
discovered within the batch, the users must manually separate them, which might take a
much longer time per batch. The only obvious advantages of D-Secure are that it can test
stones in bigger sizes (AMS and M-Screen can only screen melees) and that it is much
cheaper than the other two devices.

Although the batch screening devices are much more convenient and help reduce the
time needed to test each stone, their disadvantages are that they are limited to melee sizes,
they cannot test mounted stones, and they are much more expensive.

Final Screening Devices

Although the DiamondView and Alpha Diamond Analyzer are considered final
screening devices in this report, their screening techniques are very different and cannot be
directly compared to each other. However, when comparing the capabilities of each device,
Alpha Diamond Analyzer does have more properties, and can give more information of the
stones being tested. While DiamondView helps determine whether a diamond is natural or
laboratory-grown by showing images of the growth patterns of the diamonds, the Alpha
Diamond Analyzer can classify diamond types, detect HPHT-colour treated diamonds, and
even detect simulants.
 Analysis 21

Alpha Diamond Analyzer, however, cannot distinguish between HPHT and CVD
synthetic diamonds. Although, through its ability to classify diamond types, users can infer
that some of the diamonds that fall into Type II may be synthetics, and those will need further
testing. These further tests can be done by using the DiamondView device. As such, for
accurate and detailed results, we would suggest that users use both instruments.

Another advantage of the Alpha Diamond Analyzer is that it can detect gemstones
other than diamonds. Essentially, the Alpha Diamond Analyzer is a smaller and portable
version of the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) which is commonly used in
gemmological laboratories around the world to determine the identity of gemstones.

The Alpha Diamond Analyzer is much more expensive than the DiamondView (at
$57,000 and $35,000 respectively); however, due to its difference in capabilities, the
difference in price is not comparable.

For DiamondPlus, as it is more of an additional device used only to distinguish HPHT-

colour enhanced natural diamonds, it becomes obsolete if the user already has an Alpha
Diamond Analyzer machine, which can already detect HPHT-colour enhanced diamonds.
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 22

Conclusions

As stated in the introduction, there are two simple steps in diamond identification
using non-laboratory instruments. The first step is to do an initial screening, which most
natural diamonds are separated from the batch. The second step is to further test the
diamonds that can either be synthetics, HPHT-treated, or just the rarer type of natural
diamonds. The diamonds that still cannot be determined at the end of this process would be
sent for further testing using advanced laboratory instruments.
In conclusion, we can see that there are many instruments that can be used in each
step of the process, all use different principles and all have their own advantages and
disadvantages, and it is up to users to determine which instruments suits them best.
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 23

Bibliography

Breeding, C. M. and Shigley, J.E. (2009). Gems and Gemology. The "Type" Classification System of

Diamonds and Its Importance in Gemology, Pages 98 - 99.

Welbourn, C. M., Cooper, M., and Spear, P. M. (1996). Gems and Gemology. De Beers Natural Versus

Synthetic Diamond Verification Instruments, Pages 159 - 161, 168

Wenckus, J. F. (1984). U.S. Patent 4,488,821. "Method and means of rapidly distinguishing a simulated

diamond from natural diamond"

Sim, S. (2016). Rapaport Magazine – April 2015, Diamond Detectives; Gemologists : “If it’s lab-grown,

we can detect it”

DTC Techno. D-Secure User Guide version 1.0., Page 8

HRD Antwerp. Alpha Diamond Analyzer brochure, Page 3

IIDGR website, http://www.iidgr.com/en/instruments/

D-Secure website, www.dsecure.com

WTOCD website, www.wtocd.be/en/Solutions/d-screen.html

HRD Antwerp website, www.hrdantwerp.com/en/equipment/the-full-range

 Conclusions 24

Appendix I

Diamond Type Classification

The foundation of the type

classification system is the presence or
absence of nitrogen in diamonds.

Type I : containing sufficient N to be

measureable by IR absorption
spectroscopy
Type II : do not contain enough N to
be detected by the IR spectrometer

Type I are divided into Ia and Ib

Type Ia : diamonds contain N atoms
that are in close proximity to one
another in one of two
spectroscopically detectable
configurations.
• Type IaA : is the configuration when two N atoms occupy neighboring sites, with each pair
isolated from other N atoms in the lattice. These N impurities are commonly referred to as A
aggregates (or A centers)
• Type IaB : is the configuration involves four N atoms that symmetrically surround a vacancy.
(A vacancy is a lattice site normally occupied by a carbon atom that is not occupied by any
atom.) This complex grouping is formed when two A centers combine. These N impurity
groupings are called B aggregates (or B centers).

Type Ib : diamonds that have single nitrogen atoms that have replaced carbon atoms in the lattice are
isolated from one another; that is, they generally do not occur in adjacent lattice positions. These N
impurities are called by several names in the scientific literature, including isolated N, single
substitutional N, and C centers.

Type II diamonds are divided into two types:

Type IIa : diamonds that contain no easily measurable N or boron impurities.

Type IIb : diamonds that contain no IR-measurable N impurities. Instead, type IIb diamonds contain
boron impurities that are thought to be isolated single atoms that replace carbon in the diamond
lattice. Characteristic properties of type IIb diamonds, such as electrical conductivity, are a direct
result of the boron impurities.
Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 25

Appendix II

D-Secure: Manual

• Calibre instrument by pressing calibration button shown on D-Secure software

interface. During calibration, testing plate should be absolutely empty.
• Reset the data by reset butoon
• Input data, this data is important for building database for legal protection,
software will suggest user to test minimum carats out of total carats
• Place diamonds in testing plate as per size of diamonds. Place the testing plate
in the instrument and close softly.
• Press scan button on the screen
• Result will be displayed on the screen after approx. 45 seconds, each result will
be stored in PC connected to central database server with unique ID. The data
may also be useful for chain of custody system for jewellery and diamonds, this
in-out records is useful to protect instrument owner from possible switching of
natural diamonds with synthetics.
• The Green circled diamonds are synthetics
• The Blue circled diamonds need to be retested. Clean stone properly and
repeat the procedure one more time.
• The bigger than 0.10 cts of size, activate advanced mode option for rigorous
result. In advance mode user must use plain testing plate (the device comes
with different size plates for user to choose from)
• The Yellow circled diamonds are Undetermined, those diamonds are possible
synthetics, or lower colour (-K) or simulant – further referral require
• Repeat the process for the rest of the diamonds as per recommendation giving
in sampling parameter
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 26

Appendix III

Images take form IIDGR website for DiamondView images

DiamondView High Magnification Version

Image showing a 0.20 ct Type I natural stone under

DiamondView High magnification version

DiamondView Standard
Image showing a 0.20ct Type I natural stone under
DiamondView Standard magnification

G Filtered

Showing a ‘G Filtered’ image where the blue fluorescence is

removed to reveal ‘synthetic’ features such as growth

Colourless Diamond
Colourless HPHT synthetics showing blocky growth
sectors
Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 27

Octahedral Growth Banding

Diamond showing natural octahedral growth banding

‘O Filtered’

‘O Filtered’ image in which striations are clearly visible

Type II Diamond

Type II Diamond showing natural discoloration features

Unfiltered Blue

‘unfiltered’ blue fluorescing CVD synthetic showing

disordered, linear blue fluorescing dislocations

Yellow Diamonds

Showing blocky growth sectors

 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 28

Report of the examination of natural diamonds under UV (SW and LW) by DiamondView

machine by GIT laboratory

Samples of 60 natural diamonds Type Ia

Appendix III 29
Appendix III 30
Appendix III 31
Appendix III 32
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 33

Samples of 2 natural diamonds Type IIa

Samples of 14 treated natural diamonds Type IIa

 Appendix III 34

Samples of 16 CVD synthetic diamonds Type IIa

Appendix III 35
 Appendix III 36

Samples of 6 HPHT synthetic diamonds Type IIa

Samples of 14 HPHT synthetic diamonds Type IIb

Appendix III 37
 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 38

Appendix IV

FT-IR Spectra of diamond

“... Diamond show a characteristic absorption features in the mid-infrared range of

electromagnetic spectrum (4000 – 400 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐−1 ). In diamond, there are intrinsic absorptions

which are referred to as two-phonon (2665 to 1332 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐−1 ) and three-phonon (4000 to 2665

𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐−1 ) bands. These absorption bands are characteristic for all diamonds. The most common

diamond imitations are cubic zirconia (ZrO₂) and moissanite (SiC)...” from Alpha Diamond

Analyzer brochure, page 3.

 Summary and Comparison of Popular Diamond Testing Instruments in the Market 39

Appendix V

Screening workflow of IIDGR instruments (DiamondSure, AMS, DiamondView, DiamondPlus)