UL Verification Services, Inc., an independent laboratory in Boston, USA, tested the first Russian portable diamond authentication tool, the ALROSA Diamond Inspector, with good results.

The research was carried out within the framework of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) ASSURE program aimed at development and application of a unified standard for assessing the efficiency of tools and special devices for diamond identification.

Along with the Russian device, experts from the U.S. lab tested more than 20 other devices from different manufacturers, dividing them into three groups based on the set of functional devices. ALROSA Diamond Inspector, which applies in its work three optical methods of identification simultaneously, was referred to the third group, which devices have the widest functional capabilities. It was the only portable device in this group among the big stationary expensive devices.

Within the ALROSA Diamond Inspector tested some 1.4 thousand samples of gemstones, including both natural diamonds of types I/II and synthetic diamonds, including samples not on the market grown with the most advanced technology, as well as non-diamond imitations (fianites, Moissanites, etc.).

Based on the ALROSA Diamond Inspector's test results, the ALROSA Diamond Inspector demonstrated almost 100-percent positive results: 96.4 percent of correct answers to identify natural diamonds and 100 percent of correct answers to identify synthetic diamonds. It should be noted that the remaining 3.6% of natural diamonds were sent by the device for further testing, thus showing them as type II diamonds, which may be of both synthetic and natural origin. In addition, the Russian device turned out to be the only device able to show an error-free result in detecting non-diamond imitations (simulated diamonds). Others, even the most advanced and expensive devices, were unable to detect simulants as accurately.

"The ALROSA Diamond Inspector turned out to be the only portable device among those tested that used three methods to identify diamonds at once. We can say with a high degree of certainty that due to its combination of features - comprehensive and accurate analysis, portability, ease of use and low price - our device is suitable for retail stores, pawnshops, distributors, gemological laboratories and jewelry manufacturers. Any person can check a piece of jewelry right on the spot and make sure that the diamond in it has natural origin and is not synthetic or fake. This device is a reliable tool to protect the market of natural diamonds," - commented Vladimir Sklyaruk, General Director of Almazny STC, the manufacturer of ALROSA Diamond Inspector, about test results.

He added that apart from all the obvious advantages the device has a low price compared to the foreign competitors.

About the device

ALROSA Diamond Inspector is a portable device (15x25x10 cm) in a metal housing weighing 3,1 kg. There is only one button on the panel, which greatly simplifies the operation of the device. It does not need an Internet connection or a computer, works from the power supply through an adapter or from an external battery. No gemological knowledge is necessary for its use.

The device is capable of determining the authenticity of a diamond in less than a minute, either individually or as part of a piece of jewelry, and of displaying the results on the screen, as well as sending them to the printer. For successful testing, a gem must weigh from 0.03 to 10 carats, and its color must fall within the range of D to J (colorless and nearly colorless) according to the GIA International Classification. The diamond itself can be any traditional cut shape (KR-57, oval, marquise, princess, pear and others).

The ALROSA Diamond Inspector can identify all types of stones: cut and uncut natural diamonds (if they have at least one facet), enhanced diamonds, non-diamond imitations (including moussanites, cubic zirconia, rock crystal, spinel, amethyst, etc.), as well as cut synthetic diamonds grown using HPHT or CVD technologies.

ALROSA Diamond Inspector was first demonstrated in March 2018. So far, many Russian companies, including Gokhran of Russia, Assay Chamber of Russia, customs authorities, forensic departments and gemological laboratories have already decided to purchase the device.

Besides, the portable laboratory also can be used in jewelry stores, pawn shops, offices, and business trips.

The management of the company plans to release a line of devices with expanded functionality in the near future. It is planned that each device will have unique characteristics and complement the work of the products of the entire line.